Grilled Caesar Salad with Charred Lemons & Rustic Croutons
A grilled Caesar salad transforms a familiar favorite into something extraordinary. Lightly charred romaine develops a subtle smoky sweetness while remaining crisp at its core, while caramelized lemons add bright citrus flavor with a touch of sweetness. Finished with homemade Parmesan Caesar dressing and crunchy grilled croutons, this salad is elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight grilling.
- Serves
- 4
Directions
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Prepare Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
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Make Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and garlic until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Make Croutons: Toss the bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping until toasted and lightly crisped with grill marks. Remove to a bowl.
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Grill Romaine: Lightly brush the cut sides of the romaine with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the romaine cut-side down on the grill and cook for 3 -4minutes, just until lightly charred with distinct grill marks while the centers remain crisp. Gently flip once, trying not to break them apart.
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Grill Lemons: Spread the sugar on a small plate and press the cut sides of the lemon halves into the sugar. Place the lemons cut-side down on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly caramelized and charred.
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Serve: Arrange the grilled romaine on a serving platter or wooden board and scatter the grilled croutons around and across the lettuce. Serve with the Caesar dressing and the warm grilled lemons for squeezing over the salad just before eating. Garnish with additional shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
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Chef's Tip: Grilling the lemons mellows their acidity while concentrating their natural sweetness, adding a bright, smoky finish that perfectly complements the rich Caesar dressing.
From Shawnie's class “La Dolce Vita: An Italian Feast”
