Description
Elevate your culinary experience with this transformative Caesar Salad with Grilled Romaine and Smoky Dressing. This dish reimagines the classic Caesar by adding a layer of sophisticated, charred depth that standard salads often lack. You will experience a perfect harmony between the cold, crisp interior of the lettuce and the warm, caramelized outer leaves. The dressing provides a velvety texture and a bold, woodsy aroma that satisfies the palate completely.
Ingredients
3 Large Romaine Hearts (halved lengthwise)
1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (or Cashew Cream)
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Juice of 1 large Fresh Lemo
2 Cloves Roasted Garlic (minced)
1 tsp Nutritional Yeast or Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup Toasted Chickpeas or Sourdough Crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small glass bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Stir in the nutritional yeast or grated cheese until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Set this aside for at least ten minutes to allow the flavors to meld
- Preheat Your Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or an indoor cast-iron grill pan to medium-high heat. You want the surface to be hot enough to sear the leaves quickly without cooking the lettuce through completely
- Prep the Romaine: Slice the romaine hearts in half lengthwise, keeping the root end intact. This ensures the leaves stay together during the grilling process. Lightly brush the cut sides with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage even charring
- Grill the Lettuce: Place the romaine halves cut-side down on the hot grill. Press down gently with tongs to ensure contact with the heat. Grill for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, or until distinct char marks appear and the outer leaves just begin to wilt
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the warm romaine halves to a serving platter, charred side up. Drizzle the smoky dressing generously over the centers
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle your choice of toasted chickpeas or sourdough crumbs over the top. Finish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice and a light dusting of smoked paprika for visual appeal. Serve immediately
Notes
Ensure the grill is hot enough to sear without steaming the lettuce.
Keep the root end of the romaine intact for better handling during grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg