
Charred romaine hearts with creamy Caesar dressing
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
4 min
Total Time
14 min
Servings
4
4 halves
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
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
(Updated )
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.
Test Kitchen Pick
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Shop chef knife options for this recipeBrush romaine halves with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Preheat grill to high heat. Place romaine cut-side down on the grates.
Grill 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred but still crisp at the core.
Transfer to plates and drizzle generously with Caesar dressing.
Top with shaved Parmesan, croutons, and a squeeze of grilled lemon.
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead
Smaller and even sturdier for grilling
Lighter but still creamy and tangy
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.
Best served immediately. Does not store well.
Not recommended—this salad is meant to be eaten right off the grill.
Per serving (15mg) · 4 servings
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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.
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Mediterranean