Grilled Caesar Salad is smokey, perfectly crunchy romaine paired with a creamy dressing and a surprise tang from caramelized lemon come together to make the best grilled caesar salad you'll ever have.
It's quick and easy and beyond delicious. Try it now and it'll be the constant go-to for your summertime dining!
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One of my favorite things about this grilled caesar salad is the amount of time it takes to make. The dressing comes together as quickly as you can pull the ingredients out of the fridge. The caramelized lemon (which I'll talk about more in a minute) goes on the grill simply without any add-ons. And, the romaine hearts? They need only two, maybe 3 minutes on the grill just to develop the perfect color.
A good Caesar Salad is one of my all-time favorites. It's simple with wonderful crunch. The dressing is out of the world. Throw on a few croutons and extra parmesan at the end, and I'm in heaven. You've got to try this one!
A Word About Anchovy Paste
Let's talk anchovy paste. I know the thought makes some of you shudder, but listen to Rufus for just a second. This is essential for making the Caesar dressing amazing. Without it, the dressing will be good, not great.
It adds a particular salty bite that you just cannot replicate with any other ingredients. If you don't have any, get some. It's really not as bad as it sounds! Just remember, anchovies are in Worcestershire sauce, too! It's one of the reasons it tastes so good!
How To Make It
When I say this recipe is easy, I mean it. I'll give you the briefest rundown here, but the details will live in the recipe card below.
All you have to do is:
- Prep the romaine - wash and thoroughly dry
- Make the dressing.
- Grill the romaine and lemons.
- Assemble the salad.
Told ya it was easy. And, once you taste all of the things together, you'll be adding this to your weekly rotation in no time!
Variations and Substitutions
- While you're on the grill, throw on some steaks, chicken, or shrimp for the protein. Anything goes with this salad!
- I love adding zucchini and broccolini to this salad. Both veggies grill up wonderfully along with the lettuce. It's a perfect summer garden grilling recipe!
- If you want to make this recipe spicy, throw some jalapeños on the grill, too! The flavors are just perfect!
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to wash and dry the lettuce well to achieve the best grill marks.
- Add some chicken or steak for a great protein bump!
- I love throwing some onions on the grill with the lettuce. They're so good grilled and make a wonderful addition to this recipe!
- Let the lemons caramelize. It truly transforms the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is 100% gluten-free!
Can I make this grilled caesar salad dairy-free?
The only ingredient of concern for my dairy-free peeps is the parmesan cheese. You can simply substitute nutritional yeast for the parm or just leave it out all together. You'll have a fantastic caesar salad recipe in the end!
Where did caesar salad originate?
Although many people think this salad recipe is Italian in origin, it is, in fact, Mexican by way of Italy. This salad was developed in the 1920s in Tijuana, Mexico by Caesar Cardini. Cardini, originally from Italy, moved to Mexico in order to escape Prohibition in California. Thank goodness. I love a good caesar salad!
Grilled Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice keep the used lemon halves for the grill
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tsp anchovy paste
- 1-3 cloves garlic, finely grated use as much or as little as you would like
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Salad
- 3 hearts of romaine
- 1-2 tablespoon avocado oil to brush on lettuce
- parmesan shavings and croutons optional, for topping
Instructions
Caesar Salad Dressing
- Whisk the salad dressing ingredients together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Store in fridge until you're ready.
Grilled Salad
- Carefully clean the romaine leaves with a damp towel. Cut hearts in half. Leave the core intact.
- Brush flat side of the romaine with avocado oil and season lightly with salt.
- On a medium-high heat grill, add the reserved lemon halves flesh side down until grill marks appear and are caramelized. About 5 minutes.
- Add the romaine halves flat side down to the grill for 2-3 minutes or just until char appears. Do not overcook the lettuce.
Assembly
- Squeeze some of the caramelized lemon juice over the grilled lettuce.
- Drizzle with the caesar dressing.
- Garnish with optional parmesan shavings, croutons, and extra black pepper.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
This grilled caesar salad recipe is one of the few where leftovers just aren't a good idea. Make just enough grilled lettuce for the salad you plan on eating right then.
The caesar dressing will stay good in the fridge for up to a week.
For Pete's sake, don't freeze it.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Grilled Caesar Salad recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! I love to see all of your masterpieces in the kitchen!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Recipes You'll Love
Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps - This is one of my favorite lunch recipes of all time. It's a hand held caesar salad. I mean, come onnnnn.
Steak Salad - I love, love this one. It's a simple grilled steak recipe with a dressing that is just incredible!
Wedge Salad - A phenomenal classic wedge with crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes. Topped with the best blue cheese salad dressing you'll ever have. It's so, so good!
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