This Grilled Caesar Salad is a twist on the classic dish, bringing together smoky flavors from the grilled romaine and crunchy croutons. It’s a fun way to enjoy a salad!
Grilling the lettuce? Yes, please! It gives a nice char that makes every bite exciting. I love topping it with creamy dressing and a sprinkle of parmesan—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is the star of the salad. Grilling enhances its flavor and gives it a smoky touch. If you’re looking for a change, try using kale or even endive for a different taste.
Caesar Dressing: You can use store-bought Caesar dressing for convenience. If you want to make it from scratch, blend olive oil, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and egg yolks for a classic taste. For a vegan alternative, use cashew cream or tahini!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Pecorino Romano is also a great substitution.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds crunch and a savory flavor. You can easily swap it with crispy turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Croutons: Store-bought croutons work just fine, but homemade ones can be so much better! Simply toast some bread with olive oil and spices until crunchy. Whole grain or gluten-free bread can also be used.
How Do I Grill the Romaine Perfectly?
Grilling romaine is a great way to bring out its natural sweetness. The key is to control your grill heat and timing. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Brush olive oil on the cut sides of the romaine to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the taste without overpowering.
- Place the romaine cut side down onto the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes until charring occurs—you want it wilted but still holding its shape.
- Don’t forget the lemon! Grilling enhances its juiciness; place lemon halves cut side down for about 3-4 minutes to achieve lovely grill marks.
Remember, keep an eye on it to avoid burning! The charred bits add a nice smokiness to your salad.
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (or pancetta)
- 2 cups croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For Grilling:
- 1-2 lemons, halved for grilling
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Grilled Caesar Salad will take about 10 minutes of preparation and around 10-15 minutes of grilling time. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy this delicious salad in about 25 minutes—quick and healthy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Lettuce and Lemon:
Take your halved romaine lettuce and lemon. Brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. This will add great flavor while grilling!
3. Grill the Lettuce:
Place the romaine lettuce halves on the grill with the cut side down. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re nicely charred and slightly wilted. Check to make sure they don’t burn!
4. Grill the Lemon:
While the romaine is grilling, set the lemon halves on the grill cut side down as well. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until they have beautiful grill marks and are softened. This will give a nice zesty flavor!
5. Remove from the Grill:
Once done, carefully remove the grilled romaine and lemons from the grill and set them aside on a plate. Be cautious as they will be hot!
6. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving plate, arrange your grilled romaine halves. Drizzle a generous amount of Caesar dressing over the top—don’t be shy!
7. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the chopped bacon and croutons over the salad, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add that creamy and crunchy texture we love.
8. Squeeze the Lemon:
Finally, take the grilled lemon halves and squeeze the juice over the prepared salad for an extra kick of flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your flavorful Grilled Caesar Salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy this delicious and refreshing dish immediately with friends or family.
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine is traditional for a Caesar salad, you can substitute with other sturdy greens like kale or iceberg lettuce. Just keep in mind that the grilling times may vary slightly depending on the type of lettuce you choose.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or pancetta and consider using a vegetarian Caesar dressing. You can also add extra toppings such as grilled vegetables or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the grilled romaine and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make My Own Caesar Dressing?
Definitely! A homemade Caesar dressing generally includes ingredients like mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan. Mixing your own can give the salad a fresh flavor, and there are plenty of easy recipes available online if you want to try!
