Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

This grilled romaine Caesar salad changed everything for me. The first time I experienced the smoky char of grilled romaine paired with rich, creamy Caesar dressing was at an upscale steakhouse, and I knew I had to recreate this magical combination at home. The contrast between the warm, slightly wilted outer leaves and the cool, crisp heart creates a textural experience that elevates the humble Caesar salad to new heights.

What makes this grilled romaine Caesar salad truly exceptional is how the heat transforms the lettuce from a simple raw green into something complex and sophisticated. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the outer edges of the romaine while maintaining a refreshing crunch in the center, creating layers of flavor and texture that simply can't be achieved with traditional raw lettuce. When that smoky, charred romaine meets the rich, garlicky Caesar dressing, it creates a harmony that's both familiar and completely unexpected. This grilled Caesar salad proves that sometimes the most innovative dishes come from the simplest modifications to beloved classics.

The beauty of this grilled romaine Caesar salad lies in its perfect balance of temperatures, textures, and flavors. The warm lettuce provides an ideal canvas for the cool, creamy homemade Caesar dressing, while the addition of thinly sliced radishes adds a peppery crunch and roasted cherry tomatoes contribute bursts of sweet acidity. The technique of grilling romaine might seem unconventional, but it's actually quite common in Mediterranean and California cuisine, where chefs have long understood that gentle heat can enhance rather than diminish the natural flavors of quality produce.

In modern culinary culture, grilled salads have gained popularity as diners seek more sophisticated and Instagram-worthy presentations. This grilled romaine Caesar represents the evolution of comfort food—taking something universally loved and elevating it through technique and presentation. Whether served as an impressive starter at a dinner party, a light summer dinner paired with grilled protein, or as part of a larger barbecue spread, this salad demonstrates how a simple twist on a classic can create something truly memorable. The visual appeal of the charred lettuce against the creamy white dressing and colorful garnishes makes it as photogenic as it is delicious.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Unique presentation that impresses guests at dinner parties

• Perfect balance of warm and cool temperatures in one dish

• Smoky char adds incredible depth to familiar Caesar flavors

• Homemade Caesar dressing tastes infinitely better than store-bought

• Versatile base that pairs beautifully with grilled proteins

• Quick cooking time makes it perfect for summer entertaining

WHAT IS GRILLED ROMAINE CAESAR SALAD?

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad is an elevated twist on the classic Caesar that features whole romaine lettuce heads cut in half lengthwise and grilled until lightly charred and tender. The warm, smoky lettuce is then topped with a rich, homemade Caesar dressing made with garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with thinly sliced radishes, roasted cherry tomatoes, and additional Parmesan, this salad offers a sophisticated play on textures and temperatures that transforms the traditional Caesar into something extraordinary.

Key ingredients from this recipe include:

• Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise

• Anchovy Paste

• Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

• Fresh Romaine Lettuce

• Dijon Mustard

Need help with what ingredients to stock? Check out My Essential Korean Pantry article. This article describes each essential ingredient with links to where you can buy them easily!