Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with creamy dressing and croutons

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad: A Fresh Take on a Classic

If you’re on the hunt for a salad that elevates the classic Caesar while embracing a smoky, grilled flavor, look no further than this Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad. It’s a delightful way to enjoy your greens, bringing together the crispness of Romaine lettuce with the richness of Caesar dressing and the satisfying crunch of croutons. Perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike with its simplicity and bold taste.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 220
Protein: 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fat: 20 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 1 gram
Sodium: 620 mg

Why I Love This Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

I absolutely adore this Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad! It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and healthy at the same time. Grilling the Romaine gives it a delightful char that contrasts perfectly with the creamy Caesar dressing. Plus, it’s so easy to whip together, making it a fantastic option for impromptu dinner gatherings. There’s something fun about serving a salad that you can literally grill; it keeps the meal vibrant and fresh. I love squeezing a bit of lemon over the top right before serving—it adds that perfect zing!

Ingredients

2 heads of Romaine lettuce
1 cup Caesar dressing
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
1 lemon, for squeezing
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that the Romaine gets a nice sear without wilting away completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce

Slice the Romaine lettuce in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with olive oil to impart flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Season

Sprinkle the halved Romaine with salt and pepper to taste. This step will bring out the lettuce’s natural flavors during grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Romaine

Place the lettuce halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks and the leaves are wilted but still have some crunch.

Step 5: Plate the Salad

Remove the grilled Romaine from the grill and place it on a serving plate. The aroma will surely whet everyone’s appetite!

Step 6: Add Caesar Dressing

Generously drizzle Caesar dressing over the grilled Romaine. Don’t be shy—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!

Step 7: Top with Cheese and Croutons

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and add a handful of croutons for an extra crunch that contrasts with the soft grilled lettuce.

Step 8: Finish with Lemon

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad just before serving. This brightens the dish and enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Tips and Variations

For Added Flavor: Experiment with flavors by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
Make it Vegetarian: Opt for a vegetarian Caesar dressing to keep this dish meat-free.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free croutons or omit them altogether if you’re avoiding gluten.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Delicious Variations

Classic Caesar Salad: Stick to traditional ingredients but serve the Romaine raw for a crunchy experience.
Grilled Vegetable Salad: Pair grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers with a lemon dressing for a refreshing side dish.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and a light vinaigrette for a filling option.
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic for a bright and zesty dish.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

This salad is best served warm right after grilling. Plate it attractively and consider drizzling a bit more Caesar dressing around the edges for presentation. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing meal. For a fuller dinner, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, making for a delicious, wholesome pairing.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed on the same day, but you can keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Keep any dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy lettuce. Unfortunately, this salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the texture of the grilled lettuce.

Helpful Questions

Can I grill the Romaine on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes! A stovetop grill pan works perfectly if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
What’s the best dressing for Caesar salad?
A traditional Caesar dressing with anchovies is classic, but you can find delicious versions without anchovies if you prefer.
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes, other hearty greens like iceberg or little gem can work if Romaine isn’t available
How do I know when the Romaine is perfectly grilled?
Look for vibrant grill marks and a slight wilting; you want it warm and tender, not mushy.
What should I serve with this salad?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood, but it’s also substantial enough to stand alone as a light meal.

Now that you’re equipped with this delicious Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad recipe, it’s time to fire up that grill and impress your friends and family! Enjoy every bite!