Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad Recipe

Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is a smoky, savory twist on everyone’s favorite classic. By taking sturdy romaine hearts and giving them a quick char, you unlock a whole new level of flavor—and when that warmth meets creamy Caesar dressing and a snowy sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s pure magic in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad leans on just a handful of simple, powerful ingredients. Each one plays its part—whether it’s a hit of lemony brightness, creamy richness, or the irresistible crunch and color that make every bite so special.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives the dressing its body and ensures a beautiful sear on the romaine hearts.
• White Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that keeps the salad light and lively.
• Mayonnaise: For creamy texture and helps the dressing cling to every leaf.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a gentle tang and depth of flavor, elevating the classic Caesar bite.
• Fresh Garlic: One clove, grated, adds zesty, punchy aroma to the homemade dressing.
• Oil-packed Anchovies: These little umami bombs offer a subtle, briny backbone without being “fishy.”
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire salad and balances the creamy dressing.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season everything from the dressing to the lettuce for maximum flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: A touch of heat that brings everything together.
• Romaine Lettuce Hearts: The star! Their sturdy, crisp leaves stand up to the grill and make this Caesar truly unforgettable.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that signature savory, nutty finish.

Variations

The beauty of a Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is just how easily you can riff on it. Whether you’re working with dietary preferences or just craving something a little different, here are my favorite ways to make it your own.

• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the anchovies and stir in a teaspoon of capers for that signature salty tang—totally satisfying without seafood.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bigger pinch of cayenne or sliced chili to the dressing for a bold, fiery twist.
• Add Protein: Top with sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas if you want to turn your salad into a full meal.
• Crouton Swap: For crunch without the carbs, try sprinkling on toasted nuts or seeds instead of classic croutons.

How to Make Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Caesar Dressing

Start by combining all your dressing ingredients in a bowl. Give them a vigorous whisk until smooth and creamy—don’t be shy, you want everything to really meld together. If you’d rather, you can use a blender or shake it up in a jar for extra convenience. The great news? This dressing can be made in advance and kept chilled, so flavor just gets better!

Step 2: Prep and Halve the Romaine

Trim just a slim slice off the base of each romaine heart—keeping enough stem to hold the leaves together. Strip away any tired or wilted outer leaves so only the crisp green ones remain. Then carefully slice each heart in half lengthwise to create sturdy, grill-ready sections.

Step 3: Oil and Season for the Grill

Brush or drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the cut sides of each romaine half. This is key for flavor and for keeping them from sticking to the pan. Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper on top—simple steps with a big payoff, trust me.

Step 4: Sear the Lettuce

Heat a large skillet (cast iron brings the drama, but a non-stick pan works too) over medium-high heat. When a drop of water sizzles on the surface, it’s time. Lay the romaine, cut-side down, and let it sit untouched for 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for deep golden-brown color and a nutty aroma—don’t flip too soon!

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Using tongs, gently transfer the grilled romaine to a serving platter. While they’re still warm, drizzle with a generous helping of Caesar dressing, and finish with heaps of freshly grated Parmesan. Have your knife and fork at the ready—the warm, slightly wilted lettuce and creamy, sharp dressing are irresistible as soon as they hit the plate.

How to Serve Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

Garnishes

Keep it classic with generous peels of Parmesan and a final drizzle of the creamy Caesar dressing. Want to add extra interest? Try shards of crispy pancetta, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper, or scatter on homemade croutons for a little crunch on your Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or a juicy steak for a satisfied, restaurant-quality meal at home. If you’re feeling a little more Mediterranean, serve alongside a big pot of lemony white beans or toasted sourdough bread for sopping up dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching starter, serve each grilled romaine half whole on a platter so guests can slice in themselves. You can also slice the grilled hearts into ribbons and pile onto a big board family-style, or tuck onto crostini as an appetizer. A few edible flowers or microgreens take this Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad straight to dinner party status.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the grilled romaine and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The lettuce is best enjoyed within a day as it can soften, but the flavors remain bright and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish; the romaine will lose its structure and turn mushy. If you have extra dressing, however, you can freeze it for up to a month—just give it a good whisk once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy leftover grilled lettuce warm, lightly reheat it in a skillet for a few seconds—but honestly, the salad is tasty chilled straight from the fridge, too. Just don’t microwave, or the lettuce texture can turn limp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad a try—it’s one of those dishes that make you wonder why you ever settled for an ordinary salad! Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this is the kind of simple pleasure that turns a meal into a memory. Can’t wait for you to fall in love with every smoky, creamy bite!

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