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Crispy Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad Easy Recipe with Parmesan Crisps

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A smoky twist on classic Caesar salad featuring grilled romaine hearts topped with crunchy homemade parmesan crisps and a creamy Caesar dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large romaine lettuce hearts, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for parmesan crisps
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) for parmesan crisps.
  2. Rinse and pat dry romaine hearts. Slice each heart in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact. Brush cut sides with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon small mounds (about 2 tablespoons each) of grated Parmesan onto the paper, flattening each into a thin circle about 3 inches in diameter. Sprinkle garlic powder or smoked paprika if using. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely on the sheet.
  4. Place romaine halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes until grill marks and slight charring appear. Flip and grill the outer side for 1-2 minutes to warm through. Remove from grill and transfer to serving platter.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and anchovies until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust acidity or saltiness if needed.
  6. Drizzle dressing generously over grilled romaine halves. Break parmesan crisps into bite-sized pieces and scatter over the top. Optionally, add extra shaved Parmesan or cracked black pepper before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook parmesan crisps as they burn quickly; watch closely during last minute. Grill romaine just until lightly charred to keep leaves crisp but tender. For vegetarian version, omit anchovies and add soy sauce or miso paste for umami. Store parmesan crisps in airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch. Reheat grilled romaine briefly on grill or broiler before serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled romaine, Caesar salad, parmesan crisps, smoky salad, easy salad recipe, summer BBQ salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/crispy-grilled-romaine-caesar-salad-easy-recipe-with-parmesan-crisps/