Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to fall head-over-heels for salad all over again, Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is the answer. Warm, smoky romaine, a zesty homemade Caesar dressing, and a generous shower of Parmesan make this speedy dish a total joy — and it’s just as impressive for guests as it is for a quick weeknight treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is just how simple yet powerful each ingredient is. From crisp romaine hearts to the punchy Caesar dressing, every element is chosen to maximize bold flavor and craveable texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this stunner to life!

• Romaine lettuce hearts: Choose crisp and fresh hearts; grilling transforms their texture and deepens their flavor beautifully.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp and brown the romaine as it sears — don’t be shy when brushing it on!
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Season both the lettuce and the dressing to amplify every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for that irresistibly savory finish. Buy a wedge if possible!
• White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Brightens and balances the creamy Caesar dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Provides body, creaminess, and a luscious base for the dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Lends zing and helps emulsify the dressing for perfectly smooth results.
• Garlic: A single grated clove is all it takes to bring classic Caesar punch — grate for the best infusion.
• Oil-packed anchovies: These little umami bombs make the dressing utterly addictive (leave them out if preferred, though you’ll be missing out on depth).
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a pop of brightness and that classic Caesar tang.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for subtle heat and complexity in the dressing.

Variations

Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad is endlessly riffable, and I always encourage a little kitchen creativity. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — these easy variations mean you’re never limited by what’s in the fridge or what you’re craving.

• Protein-packed: Top with sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas to turn this salad into a hearty main course.
• Croutons or crunch: Toss on homemade croutons, toasted panko, or roasted nuts for extra texture and crunch.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the anchovies from the dressing, or swap in a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce for savory complexity (just check that it’s vegetarian if needed).
• Dairy-free twist: Use a good plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep all the big flavors while skipping the cheese.

How to Make Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Caesar Dressing

Start by making the dressing so the flavors have a moment to mingle. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon, grated garlic, chopped anchovies, lemon juice, salt, cayenne, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. If you prefer, a blender or a good shake in a lidded jar also does the trick. This can chilled in advance — so handy when you want to be extra efficient!

Step 2: Prep and Halve the Romaine

Trim a slim piece off each romaine heart’s stem (but keep the stem intact so the halves don’t fall apart). Carefully peel away any outer leaves that look sad. Slice each heart lengthwise for four elegant halves — presentation bonus! If you’ve rinsed the lettuce, make absolutely sure it’s dry, right down inside the leaves, for the best grill marks and flavor.

Step 3: Get Grilling

Brush the cut sides of your romaine generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron both work) over medium-high until a flick of water sizzles. Lay the romaine cut-side down. After 3–5 minutes, the lettuce should smell nutty and sport golden-brown char marks. This quick sear makes all the magic happen!

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the warm romaine halves to a platter. Spoon or drizzle plenty of Caesar dressing over each, then finish with lots of grated Parmesan. Serve immediately, with steak knives and any extra dressing alongside for dipping, dunking, or generous drizzling. This dish is at its very best straight from the pan!

How to Serve Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

Garnishes

I love to top this salad with wispy shards of fresh Parmesan, a few grinds of pepper, and sometimes a final squeeze of lemon. For a little flair, try microgreens, a scattering of roasted chickpeas, or paper-thin radishes for color and crunch. If you’re feeling extra luxurious, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving brings the whole plate together.

Side Dishes

This salad’s bold flavors make it ideal beside grilled meats, herby roasted potatoes, or a thick slice of crusty sourdough. Bowl it up for lunch with roasted salmon or corn on the cob, or share it as a dramatic starter before pasta or pizza night — endless possibilities!

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the grilled romaine into thick ribbons for a more traditional salad, or keep the halves intact for striking individual servings. Stack two halves and garnish grandly for an entrée-worthy look. You can also serve on a wooden board, letting everyone help themselves, family-style, for maximum conviviality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, cover the romaine and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The lettuce will lose some of its crunch, but it absorbs the Caesar flavors beautifully — it’s still delicious, just a bit softer.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this is not a freezer-friendly dish — the lettuce will turn mushy and watery. But the Caesar dressing itself keeps well chilled for up to a week, so you can always have the secret sauce on hand!

Reheating

To gently revive leftovers, bring them to room temperature rather than reheating — microwaving will wilt the leaves further. If you crave warm lettuce, a quick, hot sear in a skillet for 1 minute is your best bet before re-dressing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Grilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad, now is the moment to light up your skillet and give it a go. It’s a show-stealing spin on a classic — so easy, yet so special, and bursting with flavors you’ll crave again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature salad!

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