Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

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This Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad is a summer twist on the classic Caesar salad. The smokiness from grilling the romaine lettuce adds a new layer of flavor, while the creamy homemade dressing ties everything together. Topped with crispy croutons and Parmesan, this salad is both delicious and indulgent.

Elevate your salad game with this grilled romaine Caesar salad and homemade dressing. The smoky flavor from grilling the lettuce adds a unique twist. | aheadofthyme.com

Whether you're hosting a BBQ, craving a fresh side dish, or looking for a new take on a salad, this grilled version will quickly become a favorite. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a smoky, crispy salad ready to serve.

If you liked this fresh spin on Classic Caesar Salad, then you need to try our Kale Caesar Salad or Mexican Caesar Salad next.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Smoky, rich flavor. Grilling the romaine lettuce brings out a smoky, slightly charred flavor that complements the rich and creamy Caesar dressing perfectly. The char adds a new depth to the salad that you won't get from traditional raw lettuce, making it extra flavorful.
Simple and quick. This romaine salad is easy to prepare with minimal effort, making it the perfect side dish for a busy weeknight or an impressive addition to an outdoor dinner party. The whole salad comes together in under 20 minutes, so you won't be spending all your time cooking.
Healthy twist on a classic. By grilling the lettuce and using a homemade dressing, this version of the Caesar salad is healthier than traditional versions that are heavy on store-bought dressings and fried croutons. You control the ingredients, which means you can make it as nutritious as you'd like without compromising on taste.
Perfect for BBQs. If you're looking for a salad that's perfect for grilling season, this one fits the bill. It's a great side dish for burgers, grilled meats, and vegetable skewers. The grilled lettuce adds a fun twist to your typical salad lineup.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients and Substitutions
Equipment
Instructions
Expert Tip: Don't Overcook
More Tips and Tricks
Recipe Variations
Storage
How to Serve
FAQ
More Caesar Salad Recipes
Tried this recipe?
Recipe
Comments

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad, you'll need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):

romaine lettuce - The star of this salad, with its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor that holds up perfectly when grilled. You can also use other leafy greens, but romaine is ideal for its texture and flavor.
olive oil - Used for brushing the lettuce before grilling, helping it get that perfect char.
salt and pepper - For seasoning the lettuce to bring out it's natural flavors.
croutons - Homemade croutons or store-bought for a crispy crunch. You can use gluten-free croutons or skip them for a low-carb version.
Parmesan cheese - Shredded or shaved parmesan for sprinkling over the grilled lettuce for that classic caesar salad flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese.
caesar salad dressing - feel free to use storebought dressing or homemade. For homemade, you will need mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, anchovy paste, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. For substitutions:

mayonnaise - substitute with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or plant-based version.
Parmesan cheese - for a stronger cheese flavor, use Pecorino Romano.
garlic - use garlic powder for a quicker alternative.
anchovy paste - you can omit this to make the dressing vegetarian or use a vegan anchovy paste alternative.
Worcestershire sauce - omit if you're looking for a vegetarian version, as some Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies.

Equipment

You'll need measuring cups and spoons, a grill or grill pan, a mixing bowl, a whisk for the dressing, a sharp knife for chopping the lettuce, and a spatula for grilling.

Instructions

Grill the romaine lettuce. Preheat the grill over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes until it's hot. Place the halved romaine lettuce evenly spaced apart on the grill and brush with olive oil. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the lettuce is nicely charred. (Alternatively, you can broil the lettuce on high in the oven for 2 minutes on each side until the edges are lightly charred).

Make the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the salad dressing ingredients until smooth.

Assemble. Arrange the grilled lettuce on a plate and drizzle the dressing evenly over the top. Top with croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add some bacon bits on top, if desired. Serve immediately.

Expert Tip: Don't Overcook

Make sure not to overcook the lettuce on the grill. Just a couple of minutes per side is enough to give the romaine a nice char and smoky flavor without wilting it too much. Keep the heat medium-high to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside slightly tender.

More Tips and Tricks

Use fresh, crisp romaine. For the best texture, use fresh romaine lettuce that's crisp, not wilted. Wilted lettuce won't hold up well to grilling.
Grill in stages. If you're making a bigger batch and grilling a large amount of lettuce, do it in batches so the leaves get an even char.
Customize your croutons. For extra flavor, season your croutons with garlic powder, Italian herbs, or Parmesan before toasting them. See our Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe for ideas.
Control the dressing thickness. If the Caesar dressing is too thick, add a bit of water or extra lemon juice to thin it out to your liking.
Add extra toppings. Feel free to top your salad with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Recipe Variations

Add grilled chicken. Add grilled chicken breasts to the salad for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
Add veggies. Switch it up by adding in other veggies such as tomatoes, red onion, or cucumber.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or drizzle the salad with sriracha for a spicy twist.
Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free croutons or skip them entirely for a gluten-free meal.

Storage

How to Store

Store any leftover grilled romaine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce will lose some of its crispness but will still taste great.

How to Reheat

Grilled romaine can be served cold, but if you prefer it warm, reheat it gently in the microwave for a few seconds or on a low-heat skillet for 1-2 minutes. Be sure not to overheat, as it will lose its texture.

How to Freeze

Freezing grilled romaine is not recommended, as it will affect the texture. It's best to enjoy it fresh or store leftovers for a day or two.

How to Serve

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad is perfect on its own or paired with grilled meats like chicken or steak. For a complete meal, you can add grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even a fried egg on top for extra protein. Serve it as a side dish at a BBQ or as a main course for a lighter meal.

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this grilled romaine lettuce caesar salad:

FAQ

Why would you grill romaine lettuce?

Grilling romaine lettuce brings out a smoky flavor and adds a slight char that enhances its natural sweetness. The heat from the grill also softens the lettuce while maintaining its crisp texture. This method adds a unique, savory twist to salads that raw romaine just can't offer, making grilled romaine an exciting addition to any meal. The grilling process also adds a subtle bitterness that balances out the creamy dressing in Caesar salads.

Is grilled romaine lettuce healthy?

Yes, grilled romaine lettuce is healthy! It's low in calories and high in vitamins A and K, as well as fiber. Grilling the lettuce doesn't strip away its nutrients, and it's a great way to add extra flavor without adding many calories. Pairing it with a homemade Caesar dressing, which can be made with healthier ingredients like olive oil and lemon juice, makes for a nutritious, satisfying salad option. Just be mindful of the dressing and crouton portions for a balanced meal.

Why do people char lettuce?

Charred lettuce, like grilled romaine, has become popular because it adds a unique smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of a salad or dish. The slight charring caramelizes the natural sugars in the lettuce, giving it a richer flavor. It also adds a textural contrast, with crispy, charred edges and a tender interior. Charred lettuce can bring an unexpected twist to otherwise simple salads, making them more flavorful and exciting.

Does romaine lettuce lose nutrients when cooked?

Romaine lettuce is one of the more resilient leafy greens, so it doesn't lose many nutrients when cooked, including when it's grilled. While some vitamins like vitamin C may degrade slightly with heat, romaine retains most of its beneficial nutrients, including fiber and antioxidants. Grilling romaine is a healthy cooking method, as it preserves its core nutrients while adding a smoky flavor that enhances its natural taste. Just be careful not to overcook it.

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