Name: Grilled Caesar Salad That Will Elevate Your Summer BBQ Game
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 heads Romaine hearts (the sturdy base that holds up beautifully to grilling); 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated for that savory, nutty kick of flavor); 4 slices Crusty white bread (ideal for creating crunchy croutons); 0.25 cup Olive oil (adds richness and helps blend all the flavors); 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (lends creaminess that beautifully coats each leaf); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (gives a tangy bite that balances the richness); 1 tablespoon Anchovy paste (enhances umami and depth in the dressing); 1 clove Garlic (minced for aromatic punch); a dash Hickory liquid smoke (for a subtle smoky flavor)

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When the sun is shining and the grill is fired up, there’s nothing quite like a Grilled Caesar Salad to elevate your outdoor dining experience. Imagine the delightful sizzle of romaine hearts charred to perfection, their crispness melting into a smoky, rich flavor that dances with every bite. As I tossed this salad together after a long day, I marveled at how simple ingredients could create such an explosion of taste.

I discovered this recipe while looking for a way to give my salad game a delicious twist. The creamy dressing, with hints of garlic, anchovy, and zingy lemon, adds a remarkable depth to grilled romaine, making it not just a salad, but a star of the meal. Add in some crunchy grilled bread croutons, and you’ve got a dish that will impress family and friends without hours of fuss.

In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a vibrant, crowd-pleasing salad that turns weeknight dinners into something special. Grab your grill and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s anything but ordinary.

Why will you love this Grilled Caesar Salad?

Simplicity made sublime: This recipe uses simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Bold flavors come alive: Charred romaine and smoky dressing create a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your guests.

Quick prep and cook time: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this stunning salad, making it perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous BBQs.

Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: This unique twist on a classic will satisfy both salad lovers and skeptics alike.

Versatility at its finest: Serve it as a main dish or as a delightful side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Don’t forget, a great side dish to complement your salad is this delicious Creamy Garlic Dressing, elevating each bite even further!

Grilled Caesar Salad Ingredients

• Prepare to impress with this vibrant salad!

For the Salad

Romaine hearts – 4 heads, the sturdy base that holds up beautifully to grilling.
Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup grated, for that savory, nutty kick of flavor.
Crusty white bread – 4 slices, ideal for creating crunchy croutons that elevate your Grilled Caesar Salad.

For the Dressing

Olive oil – ¼ cup, adds richness and helps blend all the flavors smoothly.
Mayonnaise – ½ cup, lends creaminess that beautifully coats each leaf.
Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon, gives a tangy bite that balances the richness.
Anchovy paste – 1 tablespoon, enhances umami and depth in the dressing.
Garlic – 1 clove, minced, adds that aromatic punch that makes everything better.
Hickory liquid smoke – a dash for a subtle smoky flavor that ties it all together.

Prepare to toss together a delightful Grilled Caesar Salad that your friends and family will rave about!

How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad

Blend the Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, garlic, hickory smoke, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Blend until smooth, then refrigerate to let flavors meld.
Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 350°F. Lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Ingredients: Brush the romaine hearts and crusty bread slices generously with olive oil. This step will help achieve that perfect char when grilling.
Grill the Salad: Place the romaine hearts and bread on the grill. Cook for 2-5 minutes per side, until the romaine has noticeable grill marks and bread is toasted. Optionally, toss halved lemons cut-side down for added flavor.
Make the Croutons: Tear the grilled bread into bite-sized pieces. Toss these crunchy bits with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their deliciousness.
Assemble the Salad: Layer the grilled romaine on a serving platter. Top with the croutons and generously drizzle the chilled dressing over everything. If you grilled lemons, squeeze some juice over the salad for an extra zesty kick.

Optional: Add freshly cracked black pepper on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Grilled Caesar Salad Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this Grilled Caesar Salad your own with these tasty twists!

Vegan: Substitute mayonnaise with cashew cream or vegan mayo, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap the crusty white bread with gluten-free bread or serve with roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the dressing for a delightful kick that will awaken your taste buds. Who says Caesar can’t have a little heat?
Added Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal that elevates this salad into a satisfying main course.
Herb Boost: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill into the dressing to brighten up the flavor. Fresh herbs are like a hug for your salad!
Smoky Twist: For an extra smoky flavor, incorporate smoked paprika into the dressing, enhancing that delicious grill flavor.
Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or blue cheese to bring a different flavor profile to each bite. They’ll add creaminess and tang in a unique way.
Fruit Addition: Top with slices of grilled peaches or pears for a sweet and savory contrast that makes every forkful a delightful surprise.

Explore these variations and create a salad that’s uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Grilled Caesar Salad?

Creating a delightful meal is all about pairing flavors and textures that elevate your feast to the next level.

Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy, tender chicken adds protein and pairs perfectly with the smoky Caesar dressing, making your meal hearty.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of seasonal veggies brings freshness and color to your plate, balancing the richness of the salad beautifully.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this iconic side complements the salad’s flavors and is perfect for soaking up every last bit of dressing.
Pasta Aglio e Olio: This light pasta dish is bursting with garlic and olive oil flavors, making it a fantastic companion to the grilled greens.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance the smoky notes of the salad and create a refreshing dining experience.
Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a light and fruity sorbet is a delightful way to cleanse the palate after the richness of the salad.

Consider these choices to create a well-rounded feast that leaves everyone at your table smiling!

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Caesar Salad

Fridge: Store leftover Grilled Caesar Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the romaine crisp and the flavors fresh.

Dressing: Keep any leftover dressing in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This ensures the creamy texture remains intact when you’re ready to serve again.

Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing the salad as the grilled romaine and croutons won’t maintain their texture after thawing. Instead, consider freezing the dressing for up to 3 months for future use.

Reheating: If you have leftover grilled ingredients, reheat them in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive some moisture without losing flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Grilled Caesar Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blend the dressing and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. The romaine hearts can also be cleaned, dried, and brushed with olive oil, then stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just before serving, quickly grill the romaine and bread, and toss them with the prepared dressing and crunchy croutons. This makes for a stress-free, impressive dish on busy weeknights, ensuring your salad is just as delicious and fresh as on the day it was made!

Tips for the Best Grilled Caesar Salad

Grill Carefully: Don’t rush grilling the romaine; a little char enhances flavor. Watch it closely, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Dress It Right: Let the dressing chill before serving; this helps flavors develop. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Perfect Croutons: Use stale bread if you have it! It gives the croutons great texture and helps them crisp up on the grill without falling apart.
Balance Flavors: Taste your dressing! Adjust with more lemon juice or anchovy paste to ensure the grilled Caesar salad has a delightful mix of tangy and savory notes.
Grill Lemon: Don’t skip grilling the lemons! Their juice adds brightness and a subtle smoky flavor that complements the salad beautifully.

Grilled Caesar Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best romaine hearts for grilling?
Absolutely! When choosing romaine hearts, look for those that are firm, crisp, and vibrant green in color. Avoid any heads with dark spots or wilting leaves. Fresh romaine should feel heavy for its size, indicating high water content and freshness.

How should I store leftover Grilled Caesar Salad?
Leftover Grilled Caesar Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain the crisp texture of the romaine hearts until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Can I freeze the dressing for later use?
Yes! You can freeze the dressing for up to 3 months. To do this, pour the dressing into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before using for best results.

What common mistakes should I avoid when grilling the romaine?
Very! A common mistake is grilling the romaine at too high a temperature, which can lead to burnt leaves. I recommend keeping the grill at medium heat (around 350°F) and grilling for only 2-5 minutes per side. It’s essential to watch it closely for the perfect char without burning.

Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients in this Grilled Caesar Salad?
Absolutely! The dressing contains anchovy paste, which may not be suitable for vegetarians or those with fish allergies. For a vegetarian alternative, you could use a different umami ingredient, like nutritional yeast, or simply skip the anchovy paste entirely. Additionally, make sure to check the mayonnaise for allergens if you’re making this dish for guests with dietary restrictions.