Name: Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 heads romaine hearts, sliced lengthwise; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 4 slices crusty white bread, 3/4-inch thick; 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for croutons; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 lemons, cut in half; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon anchovy paste; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon); 1/2 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil

Hey friend, if you’re ready to elevate your salad game, you’ve got to try this Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe. It’s got that unbeatable charred flavor from the grill and a luscious smoky dressing that makes every bite sing. Let me tell you, it’s a total game changer for any salad lover!

A white shallow bowl holds a layered Caesar salad with a base of large green romaine lettuce halves, slightly charred on the edges. On top, there are uneven golden-brown toasted bread croutons with darker burnt spots scattered across the lettuce. A pale creamy dressing is being poured from above, dripping in a thick stream onto the greens and croutons. The salad is sprinkled with finely grated light yellow Parmesan cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I grilled romaine—who knew lettuce could get that smoky depth? This recipe turned a simple Caesar salad into a standout dish that never fails to impress my friends at summer cookouts.

Smoky Flavor Boost: Grilling the romaine hearts adds a delicate char and smoky flavor that takes Caesar salad to new heights.
Crunchy Homemade Croutons: Toasting crusty bread over the grill for fresh croutons means they’re crisp, warm, and extra flavorful.
Rich, Creamy Dressing: The smoky Caesar dressing blends classic tangy, salty, and smoky notes perfectly — no bottled dressing required!
Grilled Lemons Add Zing: Optional grilled lemons bring a caramelized citrus brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you head to the store, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients that make this salad shine. I always opt for fresh, crisp romaine hearts and sturdy crusty bread to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

Flat lay of fresh romaine hearts sliced lengthwise, two whole bright yellow lemons cut in half, thick slices of crusty white bread, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl containing anchovy paste, a whole garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl with olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lemon juice, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Romaine Hearts: These hold up beautifully on the grill, soaking in smoky flavor without wilting.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a salty bite both in the salad and dressing.
Crusty White Bread: Perfect for grilling into crunchy homemade croutons.
Olive Oil: Essential for brushing on romaine and bread for grilling; also emulsifies the dressing.
Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of ingredients.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Lemons: Optional but highly recommended – grilling them brings out a sweeter, mellow citrus zing.
Sugar: Used to caramelize the grilled lemon halves for added brightness.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the smoky Caesar dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Cuts through richness with a subtle tang.
Anchovy Paste: Gives that classic Caesar umami punch without overwhelming.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds savory warmth to the dressing.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Bring fresh acidity to brighten the dressing flavors.
Hickory Liquid Smoke: The secret ingredient for that irresistible smoky flavor in the dressing.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and depth to the dressing.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing the core deliciousness. Whether you’re craving a vegetarian twist or want to add some protein, there are plenty of ways to make this salad your own.

Vegetarian Variation: Replace the anchovy paste in the smoky dressing with capers or extra Worcestershire sauce that’s vegetarian-friendly. This swap keeps the umami notes alive without the fishy element. I’ve tried it this way for a meat-free dinner party, and everyone loved the balanced flavors!
Seasonal Twist: Swap out the grilled lemons for charred orange halves in winter for a sweeter citrus punch. It brightens the salad and complements the smoky dressing perfectly. Great for holiday gatherings!
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a light main course. I like to marinate the protein simply with olive oil, garlic, and herbs so it doesn’t overpower the salad’s smoky Caesar flavor.
Crouton Crunch: Use day-old crusty bread to make your croutons extra crispy. I always save my leftover bread slices for this purpose – it’s a great way to reduce waste and intensify the texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe

The image shows two grilled romaine lettuce halves placed side by side on a white plate, both topped with a creamy dressing and sprinkled with grated cheese. There are a few golden brown croutons scattered around the lettuce halves, adding texture to the dish. Near the bottom of the plate, a grilled lemon half with char marks is placed, adding a pop of bright orange color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white cloth nearby, and a gold fork with a black handle is placed in front of the plate. In the background, a white bowl with more grilled romaine and croutons is visible, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Smoky Caesar Dressing

Start by blending the dressing ingredients for that rich, smoky kick. Combine mayonnaise, dijon mustard, anchovy paste, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, hickory liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend on low speed and slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the blender runs to emulsify it into a creamy, luscious dressing. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you grill. Tip: Using a blender ensures a silky texture that clings beautifully to the romaine.

Step 2: Prep and Heat the Grill

Give your grill grate a good clean and oil it to prevent sticking. Set up your charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over medium heat, aiming for around 350°F—perfect for getting those gorgeous char marks without burning. For an optional sweet citrus pop, dip the lemon halves cut side down into sugar, coating them before placing on the grill.

Step 3: Grill Romaine, Bread, and Lemons

Brush the romaine hearts and bread slices generously on all sides with olive oil to help with charring and prevent drying out. Place the romaine, sugared lemon halves if using, and bread slices cut side down onto the grill. Grill each piece for about 2 to 5 minutes per side—keep a close watch as grill temperatures vary and you want those beautiful grill marks without any burnt spots. When done, remove them from the grill. You’ll notice the romaine softens slightly while developing a smoky, charred flavor that transforms the classic Caesar experience.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Croutons

Tear your grilled bread slices into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything to evenly coat the croutons with oil and seasoning. This step adds extra flavor and ensures every bite has that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the grilled romaine hearts on a large serving platter. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, then layer on your homemade grilled croutons. Drizzle the smoky Caesar dressing over the salad evenly. If you grilled lemons, place the halves on the side so guests can squeeze fresh, smoky citrus juice over their salad for a bright finish. This vibrant, smoky salad is now ready to wow your guests or serve as a flavorful weeknight treat!

Top Tip

Mastering the Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures. Here are some tips that will elevate your grilling game and guarantee a memorable salad experience every time.

Perfect Grill Marks: I found that brushing the romaine and bread with olive oil right before placing them on a clean, hot grill (about 350°F) creates the ideal char without burning. Don’t rush—watch closely!
Balancing Smokiness: Adjust the hickory liquid smoke in the dressing gradually. I started with ½ teaspoon and loved how it gave that deep smoky nuance without overpowering the fresh lemon and anchovy flavors.
Croutons Make a Difference: Using day-old crusty white bread and grilling it brings a range of textures; tearing the bread into bite-sized pieces after grilling ensures no soggy croutons.
Lemon Love: Grilling the sugared lemon halves adds a caramelized citrus sweetness that’s a game changer — just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning the sugar.

How to Serve Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe

The image shows a metal tray filled with several halved heads of romaine lettuce arranged in two rows, each with bright green outer leaves and pale yellow inner layers, showing a crisp texture. Among the lettuce pieces, there are scattered slices of white bread with a soft texture and light crusts. A few lemon halves and slices, with their bright yellow color and juicy interior, are placed on and around the bread and lettuce. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To bring even more flair and flavor to your Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe, consider topping it with freshly cracked black pepper, additional shaved Parmesan for richness, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a subtle crunch. For a pop of color and freshness, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives also pair beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile. It works brilliantly as a light main course on its own or as a side. For a satisfying meal, serve alongside grilled chicken breasts, garlic butter shrimp, or even crispy roasted potatoes. Pairing with an Italian antipasto platter or a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the smoky and savory notes perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover smoky Caesar dressing stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the grilled romaine and croutons, it’s best to store them separately in sealed containers to maintain their texture: keep the croutons dry and the romaine loosely covered. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours if dressed just before serving.

Freezing

This salad isn’t recommended for freezing due to the texture changes that happen with lettuce and croutons after thawing. However, you can freeze the smoky Caesar dressing separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whisk well before serving.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the grilled croutons or romaine (for example, if they were prepared ahead), gently warm the croutons in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp them up. The grilled romaine can be quickly warmed on the grill for a minute or two if you prefer it less cool, but it’s also great served at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the smoky Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The smoky Caesar dressing tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

What substitutes can I use if I don’t have anchovy paste?

If you prefer a vegetarian version or don’t have anchovy paste, you can substitute with capers or simply increase the Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegetarian-friendly). The key is to maintain that umami depth in the dressing.

How can I prevent the bread from burning on the grill?

Keep a close eye when grilling the bread slices, and preheat the grill to medium (about 350°F). Brushing the bread with olive oil helps create a barrier and even browning. If your grill has hot spots, rotate the bread frequently to avoid burning.

Can I skip grilling the romaine and use it raw?

Yes! While grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor and changes the texture, this recipe works well with fresh raw romaine too. The smoky Caesar dressing alone gives plenty of flavor if you want to keep it simple.

Final Thoughts

Creating the Best Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe is such a rewarding experience—there’s something special about the way smoky, charred romaine and homemade croutons come together with that rich, creamy dressing. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side or a light main course, this salad promises a flavorful journey that’s both comforting and impressive. So fire up your grill, get cozy with those vibrant ingredients, and enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends!