Who said salads have to be boring? Not us! Today, we’re firing up the grill and taking this classic to a whole new level with a smoky twist that’ll have you saying “Caesar who?” Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy Grilled Caesar Salad.
What Makes Grilled Caesar Salad So Special?
Besides being absolutely delicious, grilling the romaine lettuce brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. The char marks create a beautiful presentation, while the warm lettuce slightly wilts and creates the perfect texture contrast with the crunchy croutons and creamy dressing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, cut in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I always opt for homemade – the flavor is simply unmatched!)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Croutons:
- 1 cup cubed crusty bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garnish:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Tools of the Trade
- Grill
- Grill tongs
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Baking sheet
Let’s Get Grilling!
Step 1: Prepare the Caesar Salad Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, let the dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 2: Crouton Creation Time
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, tossing halfway through.
Step 3: The Star of the Show – Grilled Romaine
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Drizzle the romaine lettuce halves with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the lettuce cut-side down for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the edges begin to wilt. Then, grill for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Transfer the grilled romaine halves to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared Caesar dressing. Sprinkle with croutons, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Mmmm…Time for the Taste Test!
And there you have it – a restaurant-quality Grilled Caesar Salad ready to impress! Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, cheesy, and utterly satisfying flavors of this summer favorite.
Elevate Your Salad Game
- Get Cheesy: Experiment with different types of cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a more intense flavor.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon are fantastic additions to turn this salad into a complete meal.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the dressing provides a subtle kick.
Close up of grilled caesar salad with creamy dressing
Grilled caesar salad on a platter
I’d love to hear about your grilling adventures! Leave a comment below and let me know how your Grilled Caesar Salad turned out. For more delicious recipes and grilling inspiration, check out our guides on How to Make Creamy Garlic Dressing and How to Make Caesar Dressing. Happy grilling!
