This Grilled Caesar Salad gives the classic dish a fun twist! Grilling romaine lettuce brings out a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
Honestly, who knew salad could be so exciting? It’s like the lettuce got a summer makeover! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken for a tasty meal that feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This lettuce is perfect for grilling thanks to its thick leaves. If romaine isn’t available, try using other sturdy greens like iceberg or even baby kale. They may differ slightly in taste but will hold up well on the grill.
Croutons: Store-bought croutons are handy, but homemade ones are often crunchier and more flavorful. Just toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs, then bake until golden. You can use any bread you like, such as sourdough or whole grain.
Bacon: I enjoy crispy bacon for a savory kick, but you can substitute with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even skip it for a vegetarian option. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor if you’re looking to replace it.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute. Pecorino Romano also works if you want something saltier.
Caesar Dressing: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade dressing is simple too! Mix mayo, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan. If anchovies are a no-go, offer a vegetarian version by skipping them or using capers.
How Do You Grill Romaine Without Burning It?
Grilling romaine can be a bit tricky, but a few steps make it easier! The goal is to achieve a nice char without turning it mushy.
- Preheat your grill well; a medium-high heat is great. This ensures the lettuce gets a char without cooking too long.
- Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides of the romaine. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Place the romaine cut-side down directly on the grill. Grill for just 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it! Too long will make it too soft.
- Remove when you see some char marks — that’s your sign it’s perfect!
Using these tips will make your grilled Caesar salad delicious and visually appealing with that beautiful grill mark! Enjoy the unique flavors this technique brings to the salad!
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)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and will take another 6-7 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need around 15-20 minutes to have this refreshing grilled Caesar salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your lettuce and lemons that delicious grilled flavor!
2. Prepare the Romaine:
Take the halved romaine lettuce and drizzle it with olive oil. Make sure to season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to make it tasty. Don’t be shy with the oil; it helps with that great grilled taste!
3. Grill the Lettuce:
Place the lettuce halves on the grill, cut side down. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes. You want the lettuce to be charred and slightly wilted, but not completely mushy. Once they look good, carefully remove them from the grill.
4. Grill the Lemons:
While the lettuce is grilling, throw the lemon halves on the grill as well, cut side down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until they are nicely charred. This will add a tangy flavor to your salad!
5. Assemble the Salad:
On a serving plate, arrange the grilled romaine halves. Now, it’s time to make it delicious! Top the lettuce with the chopped bacon, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. It looks so good already!
6. Add Flavor with Lemon:
Squeeze the grilled lemon juice over the salad. This will give it a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the Caesar dressing.
7. Drizzle with Dressing:
Finally, drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top of your beautiful salad. Now it’s ready to serve immediately! Enjoy your delicious grilled Caesar salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Lettuce?
Yes, you can! While romaine is traditional for Caesar salads, you can experiment with other sturdy greens like kale or even iceberg lettuce. Just ensure they can hold up to grilling without falling apart.
What If I Don’t Have Caesar Dressing?
No worries! You can easily make a quick homemade Caesar dressing using ingredients like mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend those together until smooth for a tasty substitute.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this grilled Caesar salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding extra protein like chickpeas or grilled tofu. You can also enhance the flavor with additional cheese or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, add fresh croutons for that delightful crunch!
