A bold twist on the classic Caesar, this Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad delivers smoky, charred flavor paired with creamy garlic-Parmesan dressing, crunchy croutons, and a dusting of freshly grated cheese. Perfect as a light lunch, elevated side, or impressive starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and charred: The grilled romaine adds a rich, smoky flavor that elevates the traditional Caesar salad.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 13 minutes, this salad is a quick yet impressive dish.
- Creamy and tangy dressing: The homemade Caesar dressing combines creamy mayonnaise, Parmesan, and garlic with a zesty kick from Dijon and lemon juice.
- Perfect for grilling season: A great addition to your BBQ or cookout menu.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a starter for a more substantial meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
Toppings:
- 1/3 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon zest (optional)
directions
- Grill the romaine: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the cut sides of the romaine halves with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Grill the romaine: Place the romaine halves on the grill, cut side down, and grill for 2–3 minutes until lightly charred and slightly wilted.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the salad: Place the grilled romaine halves on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the Caesar dressing.
- Top the salad: Sprinkle with croutons, extra Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest (if using).
- Serve: Serve immediately while the grilled romaine is still warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Calories: Approximately 260 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Use a different lettuce: You can substitute romaine with other lettuces like butter lettuce or iceberg for a milder flavor.
- Add extra veggies: Roasted tomatoes, olives, or grilled asparagus would pair nicely with this salad.
- Dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the Parmesan for a vegan version.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing or top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
storage/reheating
While this salad is best served immediately after grilling, you can store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The grilled romaine will not keep well once dressed, so it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving.
FAQs
Can I grill the romaine ahead of time?
Grilled romaine is best served fresh, but you can grill it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before assembling the salad.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even silken tofu for a lighter, dairy-free option.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add protein like grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal.
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes, if you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing, though the homemade version adds a special touch.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan works perfectly to get those beautiful charred grill marks on the romaine.
How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting too much?
Grill the romaine just until it’s lightly charred and still crisp for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free croutons, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other toppings?
Feel free to add toppings like roasted garlic, anchovies, or chopped herbs like parsley or basil for additional flavor.
How long should I grill the romaine?
Grill the romaine for 2–3 minutes until it’s slightly wilted and charred on the edges, but still crisp.
Conclusion
This Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad offers a smoky, charred twist on the classic Caesar, making it a perfect addition to any summer meal. With its creamy dressing, crispy croutons, and fresh grilled flavor, it’s a deliciously elevated side or light meal. Whether for a quick lunch or an impressive starter at your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Print
Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bold twist on the classic Caesar, this Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad delivers smoky, charred flavor paired with creamy garlic-Parmesan dressing, crunchy croutons, and a dusting of freshly grated cheese. Perfect as a light lunch, elevated side, or impressive starter.
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
- Toppings:
- 1/3 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush romaine halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the romaine cut side down for 2–3 minutes, until lightly charred and slightly wilted.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Add water to thin if desired.
- Place grilled romaine on a serving board or plate. Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing.
- Top with croutons, extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, and lemon zest.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the dressing to suit your taste.
- If you want extra crunch, add more croutons or even toasted nuts.
- For a vegan version, swap the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
