This Grilled Caesar Salad is a tasty twist on the classic favorite! The romaine gets a nice char from the grill, giving it a smoky flavor that you’ll love.
Don’t forget the creamy dressing and crunchy croutons—it’s the perfect combo! I enjoy making this salad in the summer for a light meal or as a fun side dish for a barbecue.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds that crunchy base for the salad. If you can’t find romaine, feel free to use other greens like kale or even iceberg for a different texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. You can swap them for grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If using these, adjust cooking time as needed.
Caesar Dressing: You can use store-bought dressing for convenience. However, making homemade dressing allows you to customize flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider using cashew or avocado-based dressings.
Croutons: Store-bought croutons save time, but homemade ones taste fresher. Simply toast bread cubes in olive oil till golden. If gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast as a cheesy alternative. You might not get the same texture, but it packs a flavorful punch!
How Do I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Lettuce?
Grilling romaine gives it a wonderful smoky flavor and appealing grill marks. Here’s how to achieve great results:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to start. This ensures a nice sear.
- Brush the cut sides of the romaine with olive oil. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. This enhances the lettuce’s flavor.
- Place the romaine cut side down on the grill. Keep an eye on it and grill for 2-3 minutes. You want just enough time for those lovely grill marks.
- Don’t overcook; remove when the lettuce is slightly wilted but still crisp.
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for grilling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled Caesar salad takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes grilling the chicken and romaine, and the rest is just assembling and serving. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill and Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
2. Grill the Romaine Lettuce:
Next, cut the heads of romaine lettuce in half lengthwise. Lightly brush the cut sides of the lettuce with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Now, place the romaine halves cut side down on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want to see nice grill marks and the lettuce should be slightly wilted. Once grilled, carefully remove them from the grill.
3. Assemble the Salad:
On a large platter, arrange the grilled romaine halves neatly. Top them with the sliced grilled chicken, sprinkle on the croutons, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, drizzle your Caesar dressing generously over the top of the salad. Toss everything gently to combine, and if you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Caesar Salad!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked grilled chicken strips. Just skip the grilling step and warm the chicken briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your salad. This keeps it juicy and delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Romaine Lettuce?
No worries! You can substitute romaine with other hearty greens like kale or even iceberg lettuce. Just make sure to use sturdy leaves that can hold up to grilling. For iceberg, just grill until slightly wilted and slightly charred, similar to romaine.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a vegan Caesar dressing. For the croutons, check that they don’t contain any dairy. You can also add extra grilled veggies for more flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Grilled chicken and dressing should be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the grilled lettuce will wilt, so it’s best to eat it fresh!
