Forget everything you know about boring, cold salads! This Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad is about to revolutionize your culinary experience, turning an ordinary side dish into a smoky, flavor-packed sensation that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Imagine the classic Caesar salad, but with a bold, charred twist that elevates every single bite to a gourmet masterpiece.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450°F.
- Carefully wash the romaine lettuce heads and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Ensure no excess moisture remains to prevent steaming instead of grilling.
- Trim the bottom core of each romaine half slightly, keeping the leaves attached at the base.
- Brush the romaine halves lightly with olive oil on all sides, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the romaine halves cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 1-2 minutes until distinct grill marks appear and edges start to char slightly.
- Carefully flip the romaine and grill the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. The lettuce should be slightly wilted but still retain some crispness.
- Remove grilled romaine from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing, ensuring even distribution across the grilled surfaces.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the warm lettuce.
- Top with crispy croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve immediately while the romaine is still warm and slightly charred.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Ensure your romaine is completely dry before grilling to achieve those perfect char marks and prevent steaming.
- High Heat is Key: Maintain a consistent medium-high grill temperature (400-450°F) for optimal caramelization and quick cooking.
- Quick Grilling Technique: Grill each side for only 1-2 minutes to maintain the lettuce's structural integrity while adding smoky flavor.
- Timing Matters: Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the warm, slightly wilted lettuce with crisp croutons.
- Dressing Application: Drizzle Caesar dressing after grilling to prevent burning and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor and best melting characteristics.
- Experiment with Variations: Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
