This Grilled Caesar Salad is a fresh twist on a classic! It features crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crisp croutons—all kissed by the grill for extra flavor.
Who knew you could grill salad? 🌱 I love tossing it together for a fun and delicious side dish that feels fancy but is actually pretty simple to make. Give it a try at your next BBQ!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch and is the classic choice for Caesar salad. If you want, try using kale or even mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
Croutons: You can easily make your own by toasting bread cubes with a bit of olive oil and garlic. Store-bought croutons work too, just check for ones with good flavor to enhance the salad.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shaved Parmesan brings a wonderful taste. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for a sharper flavor, or you can use a grated cheese like Grana Padano.
Chicken: Grilling chicken provides great flavor. You can swap it for shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option, just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Caesar Dressing: You can make your own dressing using garlic, anchovy paste, mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. If you’re short on time, a quality store-bought dressing works just fine.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly for My Salad?
Grilling chicken can seem tricky, but it’s really about the right prep and timing. Here are the steps to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is key for a nice sear.
- Brush your chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken on the grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
Try not to flip the chicken frequently. Letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes really helps develop that beautiful grill mark and flavor!
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup homemade croutons (or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Caesar Salad takes around 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and grilling the chicken, then another 15-20 minutes to chop, assemble, and toss everything together. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure your chicken gets that nice grilled flavor we all love!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and brush them with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, and pepper all over the chicken. Make sure it’s nicely coated for the best flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to make sure it’s fully cooked. Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it up into pieces.
4. Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add your chopped Romaine lettuce. This will be the base of your salad, full of fresh, crunchy goodness.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Top the lettuce with the sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. This combination will give you loads of tasty flavors and textures!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. Be careful not to bruise the lettuce; we want it to stay crisp!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your salad with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if you like. This adds a nice touch and a burst of color to your dish.
8. Enjoy!
Your Grilled Caesar Salad is ready to be served. Dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While Romaine is traditional for Caesar salads, you can use other greens like Kale or Butter Lettuce for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before grilling or tossing.
How Can I Make the Dressing Healthier?
You can make a lighter dressing by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in your homemade Caesar dressing. This adds creaminess without the extra calories. Just mix equal parts yogurt and your other usual ingredients, like garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
If you’re planning to serve this salad later, you can prep the components in advance. Grill the chicken and make the croutons ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Caesar Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad components separate. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you added dressing, eat it sooner, as lettuce will get soggy. Reheat chicken if desired before serving again!
