Okay, hear me out—grilled romaine might just be your next favorite side dish. I know it sounds a little unexpected, but trust me on this. The char takes everything we *love* about Caesar salad and dials it way up. It’s got smokiness, crunch, creaminess—and it comes together in minutes. Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When I first made grilled romaine for a dinner party, I was honestly just trying to use up lettuce before it wilted—it ended up stealing the show. Since then, it’s become one of my secret weapons for last-minute elegance!
- On the table in 15 minutes (yes, really)
- Smoky flavor adds a twist to classic Caesar
- Perfect for grilling season—or using that grill pan
- Guests *will* ask how you made it!
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Croutons, for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Pro Tips
- Use sturdy romaine—not the floppy outer leaves—for the best crisp-char balance.
- Homemade Caesar dressing kicks the flavor way up—try my 5-minute blender version!
- Feel free to swap Parmesan for Pecorino if you want a saltier bite.
- A sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper right before serving adds great aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush the cut sides of the romaine halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Place romaine cut side down on the grill. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly charred and marks appear. Flip and grill for an additional 30 seconds, just to warm the back side.
- Remove from grill and arrange on a platter.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and croutons.
- Optional: serve with lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze on top.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t over-grill! You want char, not wilt—keep it quick and hot.
- Want extra protein? Top with sliced grilled chicken or a soft-boiled egg.
- Dry your romaine really well after rinsing—water = steam = soggy lettuce.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add crispy bacon crumbles for extra decadence.
- Turn it into a full meal with grilled shrimp on top.
- Serve as a base for a deconstructed Caesar sandwich with grilled sourdough slices.
- Try using baby romaine hearts for adorable individual portions.
FAQs
Can I make this without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a cast-iron grill pan or even a heavy skillet to get those char marks right on the stovetop.
How long does grilled romaine stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed right away, but leftovers can be stored for up to 1 day. Try chopping them for a tossed Caesar vibe the next day.
Is Caesar dressing safe for kids?
Store-bought versions are usually pasteurized. If you’re making homemade, just be sure to use pasteurized eggs or skip the raw egg entirely.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Croutons
- Optional lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush romaine halves with olive oil and season.
- Grill cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until lightly charred. Flip and grill another 30 seconds.
- Top with Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition: ~120 calories per serving
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid—I love seeing your kitchen creations come to life!
