This Grilled Caesar Salad is a fun twist on the classic. With grilled romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing, it’s a meal that feels fresh and vibrant!
I love how the grilling adds a smoky flavor that makes the lettuce extra tasty. Pair it with chicken for a filling dinner or just enjoy it on its own—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Hearts: These are perfect for grilling due to their sturdy leaves. If you can’t find romaine, try using butter lettuce or iceberg, but they may not grill as well. Personally, I think romaine stands up to grilling nicely for the best flavor.
Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken breasts add protein to the salad. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. For a vegetarian option, consider using grilled tofu or chickpeas, which are both filling and tasty!
Caesar Dressing: Store-bought dressing is convenient, but homemade can elevate the taste. If you’re looking for a healthier version, try yogurt-based dressings. I often make my dressing with a bit of garlic and anchovies for extra depth of flavor.
Croutons: You can use store-bought croutons, but homemade is simple! Just cut up some bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then bake until crispy. I love using whole grain bread for added flavor and texture.
How Can You Grill Romaine Hearts Perfectly?
Grilling romaine hearts can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with it. Here’s how to achieve that nice char while keeping the lettuce tender:
- Start with preheating your grill to medium-high. This ensures even grilling.
- Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides and season with salt and pepper. This not only enhances flavor but helps prevent sticking.
- Place the romaine cut side down on the grill. Don’t walk away! Grill for 2-3 minutes until you see nice grill marks. When they wilt slightly, they are ready.
- Keep an eye on them because they can go from perfectly grilled to overdone quickly!
Enjoy your grilled Caesar salad with a fresh twist! Adding lemon wedges gives a lovely citrus kick that brightens everything up. Happy grilling!
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Grilled Caesar Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. With a few simple steps to grill the romaine and assemble the salad, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the romaine will get nice and charred but won’t take too long to cook.
2. Prepare the Romaine:
Drizzle the cut sides of the halved romaine hearts with olive oil. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on them for extra flavor. This will help enhance the taste after grilling!
3. Grill the Romaine:
Carefully place the romaine hearts cut side down on the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to char and wilt slightly. Once done, remove them from the grill and set aside.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving platter, arrange the grilled romaine hearts. Now it’s time for the fun part! Top the romaine with sliced grilled chicken, followed by croutons and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Dress It Up:
Drizzle your Caesar dressing over the salad. If you like, you can add a little more salt and pepper at this stage. Make it to your taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Grilled Caesar Salad right away, with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy your tasty creation with family or friends!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe. Simply slice it and add it to the grilled romaine as instructed. Just be sure to warm it up slightly if you prefer your chicken warm!
What Can I Substitute for Caesar Dressing?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can use a creamy ranch or Greek yogurt dressing as an alternative. You can also make a homemade garlic vinaigrette for a lighter option. Just remember to add some anchovy paste for that classic Caesar taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the croutons and dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain their crunch and freshness!
Can I Grill the Croutons?
Yes, you can! To add a smoky flavor, toss the croutons with a little olive oil and place them on the grill for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re crispy. Just watch them closely to prevent burning!
