Print

Crispy Grilled Caesar Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Parmesan Dressing

crispy grilled caesar salad - featured image

A smoky, crispy twist on classic Caesar salad featuring grilled romaine and a rich homemade Parmesan dressing. Perfect for quick summer cookouts or impromptu dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 2 large romaine heads, then slice each head in half lengthwise through the core. Brush each cut side generously with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup grated Parmesan, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 finely chopped anchovy fillets (if using), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C).
  4. Place the romaine halves cut side down on the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes until grill marks appear and leaves start to wilt slightly. Flip and grill the outer side for another 1–2 minutes until lightly charred but still crisp. Remove from heat.
  5. Arrange grilled romaine halves on a large serving platter. Drizzle the homemade Parmesan dressing generously over each half. Sprinkle with 1 cup crunchy croutons and extra grated Parmesan. Finish with a fresh grind of black pepper.
  6. Serve immediately while the romaine is still warm and crisp, and the dressing fresh and tangy.

Notes

Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Use firm romaine for best grilling results. If dressing thickens, thin with water or lemon juice. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. Dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, grilled salad, Parmesan dressing, smoky salad, summer cookout, easy salad recipe, homemade dressing