This Grilled Caesar Salad puts a fun twist on a classic! With fresh greens kissed by the grill, it’s packed with flavor and a smoky touch.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little char on their romaine? Toss in some creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, and I’m ready to dig in! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is the star of the show! Romaine holds up well on the grill, but if you’re in a pinch, iceberg lettuce can work too. It won’t have the same flavor, but it’ll still provide a nice crunch.
Chicken Breast: I love using boneless and skinless chicken breast for its lean quality. If you want a different flavor, try grilled shrimp or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
Croutons: Store-bought croutons are fine, but homemade adds a personal touch. Just cube some stale bread, toss it in olive oil, seasoning, and bake until golden. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or skip the croutons altogether.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. For a different taste, use Pecorino Romano, or if you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Grill the Lettuce Perfectly?
Grilling romaine may seem strange, but it adds a wonderful flavor and texture. Here’s how to make sure it turns out great:
- First, brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and season with salt. This helps them grill better.
- Place the lettuce cut-side down on the grill and watch closely. Grill for just 2-3 minutes—you want nice grill marks and a bit of wilting, but not sogginess.
- Remove the romaine before it becomes too soft; you want it to have some crunch left!
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Caesar dressing
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Caesar Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to cook. So, in just half an hour, you can have a tasty, healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get those beautiful grill marks on your lettuce and chicken!
2. Grill the Chicken:
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and brush them with a bit of olive oil. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper for flavor! Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
3. Prepare the Romaine Lettuce:
While the chicken is resting, cut the heads of romaine lettuce in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and season with salt to taste. This will help enhance the flavor when you grill them.
4. Grill the Romaine:
Now, take the romaine halves and place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the leaves are slightly wilted. They should look delicious and slightly charred! Remove them from the grill once done.
5. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving platter, arrange the grilled romaine halves. Next, slice the rested grilled chicken and place it on top of the romaine. Sprinkle the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese over everything.
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure every piece gets a little dressing for the best flavor!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
If you’d like, finish the salad with some freshly cracked black pepper for that extra touch. Serve immediately while everything is nice and warm. Enjoy your wonderful Grilled Caesar Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine lettuce provides a nice crunch, you can substitute it with other sturdy greens like kale or even a mix of salad greens. Just ensure they hold up well on the grill for the best results!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the grilled chicken and add extra protein by using chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. Just toss them in olive oil and seasonings before grilling for a delicious alternative!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The grilled chicken can last up to 3 days, while the lettuce is best eaten fresh. To keep it from wilting, add the dressing just before serving.
What Other Dressings Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment with different dressings! A balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or lemon-olive oil dressing can all add wonderful flavors to your grilled salad. Just keep the flavor profile in mind to complement the grilled ingredients.
