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Crispy Grilled Caesar Salad Recipe Easy Perfect Charred Romaine

crispy grilled caesar salad - featured image

A smoky twist on the classic Caesar salad featuring charred romaine lettuce grilled to crispy perfection and topped with creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2-3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Rinse the romaine heads and pat dry. Slice each head in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact.
  2. Lightly brush each romaine half with olive oil on all cut sides.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place romaine halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until grill marks and charring appear.
  5. Flip and grill the other side for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
  6. While grilling, prepare Caesar dressing and toast croutons if making homemade.
  7. Remove grilled romaine from heat and place on a serving plate.
  8. Drizzle with Caesar dressing evenly, sprinkle with Parmesan, croutons, and freshly ground black pepper.
  9. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  10. Optionally, scatter chopped anchovies on top.
  11. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm, smoky lettuce with cool, creamy dressing.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the grill to avoid steaming. Brush romaine lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote charring. Add dressing after grilling to keep lettuce crisp. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. For vegan version, substitute dressing, cheese, and croutons accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled Caesar salad, charred romaine, smoky salad, easy Caesar recipe, grilled lettuce, summer salad, BBQ side dish