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  3. Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad
Grilled romaine hearts with Caesar dressing and Parmesan

Charred romaine hearts with creamy Caesar dressing

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

14 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

4 min

Total Time

14 min

Servings

4

4 halves

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

Charred romaine hearts with creamy Caesar dressing

Romaine hearts grilled until lightly charred and wilted, dressed with creamy Caesar dressing and shaved Parmesan. A smoky twist on the classic Caesar.

10m

Prep Time

4m

Cook Time

14m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

SaladSide DishGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 26, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

Grilling lettuce sounds counterintuitive, but the quick char adds smokiness while the heart stays cool and crisp. It transforms an ordinary Caesar into something extraordinary.

Why This Recipe Works

The brief high heat wilts only the outer leaves while creating caramelized, smoky edges. The contrast of warm charred exterior and cool crunchy center is what makes this salad special.

Ingredients

  • 2 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • 1 lemon, halved
PrepDaily Use

Test Kitchen Pick

Chef Knife

Helpful Tool

Why a sharp knife helps here

When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.

This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.

  • Speeds up chopping and slicing
  • Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating

A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.

Shop chef knife options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Brush romaine halves with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Preheat grill to high heat. Place romaine cut-side down on the grates.

  3. 3

    Grill 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred but still crisp at the core.

  4. 4

    Transfer to plates and drizzle generously with Caesar dressing.

  5. 5

    Top with shaved Parmesan, croutons, and a squeeze of grilled lemon.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein

  • Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead

Substitutions

Romaine heartsLittle gem lettuce

Smaller and even sturdier for grilling

Caesar dressingGreek yogurt-based Caesar

Lighter but still creamy and tangy

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Keep the root end intact so the leaves hold together on the grill.

  • Grill the lemon halves cut-side down for 2 minutes—grilled lemon juice is incredible.

Storage

Best served immediately. Does not store well.

Reheating

Not recommended—this salad is meant to be eaten right off the grill.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (15mg) · 4 servings

Calories180
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein6g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat8g
Fiber420mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill other lettuces?
Little gem, endive, and radicchio all grill beautifully.
What if I do not have Caesar dressing?
A simple vinaigrette with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan works well too.

Explore More

More SaladMore Side DishGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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