Grilled Caesar Salad With Romaine (Print View)

A smoky grilled Caesar salad with fresh romaine and creamy dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Romaine

01 - 2 large romaine hearts, halved lengthwise

→ Dressing

02 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
03 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
05 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 4 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional for vegetarian)
08 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Croutons & Toppings

10 - 1 cup rustic bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
12 - 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan, for topping

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush romaine halves lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
03 - Place romaine halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred but not wilted. Remove and set aside.
04 - Toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them on a tray or in a basket for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mashed anchovies (if using), and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Arrange grilled romaine halves on a platter. Drizzle with Caesar dressing.
07 - Sprinkle grilled croutons and shaved Parmesan over the top.
08 - Serve immediately while the romaine is warm.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • This salad brings all the classic Caesar flavors but with a delightful smokiness.
  • It's a crowd-pleaser that serves beautifully at barbecues or casual weeknight dinners.
02 -
  • Over-grilling will turn the romaine too soft; you want it just charred for the best texture.
  • Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of your dressing.
03 -
  • Don’t skip letting the romaine rest after grilling; it enhances the flavor.
  • A quick chill in the dressing before serving blends and intensifies the flavors.
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