This Grilled Caesar Salad is a fresh twist on the classic! With crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, you’ll love the smoky flavor from grilling the greens.
You know it’s a party when salad takes a turn on the grill! 🤣 I like to add a bit of Parmesan on top for extra yum. It’s easy and makes the salad feel special—perfect for a sunny day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine works perfectly for this recipe due to its sturdy leaves, which can hold up on the grill. If you can’t find it, try using little gem lettuce or even endive for a unique twist.
Croutons: You can buy croutons, but homemade ones are super easy! Just toss some stale bread with olive oil and seasoning, then bake them until crispy. Feel free to substitute with toasted pita chips or nuts for crunch.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds great flavor, but feel free to swap it for turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Both alternatives will still give you that nice crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is a classic topping, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor. Pecorino Romano is another tasty cheese substitute, adding a different flavor profile.
Caesar Dressing: If you’re short on time, a store-bought Caesar dressing is fine, but homemade dressing is easy to whip up. Just blend garlic, anchovies, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and some mustard for a fresh taste.
How Do I Grill Romaine Lettuce Without Burning It?
Grilling romaine can be tricky, but it’s straightforward with some tips. The goal is to achieve a lovely char while keeping the leaves crisp.
- Start by cutting the romaine heads in half lengthwise. This allows for more surface area to grill.
- Drizzle olive oil generously on the cut sides, and season with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and place the lettuce cut side down. This is key for getting that nice char!
- Don’t walk away! Grill for just 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Take them off the grill once they’re slightly wilted and have grill marks. It should smell fantastic!
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 lemons, halved
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Caesar Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and grill. It’s a quick and tasty way to enjoy a classic salad with a smoky twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting that nice grilled flavor on the romaine and lemons.
2. Grill the Lettuce:
Drizzle some olive oil on the cut sides of the halved romaine lettuce and season them with salt and pepper. Place the cut sides down on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want the lettuce to be just slightly charred and wilted. Once done, take them off the grill and set them aside.
3. Grill the Lemons:
While the lettuce is grilling, place the lemon halves, cut side down, on the grill too. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely charred. Remove them from the grill and set aside with the lettuce.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving plate, arrange the grilled romaine halves. Next, scatter the croutons and the chopped bacon over the top for some added crunch and flavor.
5. Add Cheese and Dressing:
Now it’s time for the finishing touches! Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and drizzle your favorite Caesar dressing on top. Yum!
6. Serve with Grilled Lemons:
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze the juice from the grilled lemons over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Grilled Caesar Salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Lettuce for Grilling?
Absolutely! While romaine is traditional for Caesar salad, you can experiment with other sturdy greens like butter lettuce or even radicchio. Just make sure they can hold up to the heat and have a hearty texture to avoid wilting too much on the grill.
What If I Don’t Have Caesar Dressing?
No problem! If you’re in a pinch, you can make a quick homemade dressing by mixing mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan. Adjust to your taste for a delicious replacement!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Caesar Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the grilled lettuce, bacon, croutons, and dressing in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reassemble and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make This Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with toppings like grilled mushrooms or extra roasted vegetables. You can also use a vegetarian Caesar dressing or make your own using yogurt or tahini as a base for a creamy texture.
