Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs
Updated Dec 11, 2025, Published Jul 01, 2023
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A Smoky Twist on a Classic
If you think Caesar salad is just lettuce and dressing, think again. This Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs takes a classic favorite and turns it into something exciting, smoky, and irresistible. Grilling the romaine adds a charred, savory depth that elevates the familiar creamy dressing and crunchy toppings. With crisp herbs, golden breadcrumbs, and a tangy Caesar dressing, this salad makes a perfect starter, side, or even a light main course.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for summer or just craving a bold, fresh salad, this recipe delivers layered texture and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
the Salad
- Heads of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- Extra‑virgin olive oil
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
the Toasted Breadcrumbs
- Gluten‑free breadcrumbs
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
the Caesar Dressing
- Gluten‑free Caesar dressing (store‑bought or homemade)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)
What Makes This Salad Worth Grilling
Smoky, Charred Romaine is a Game Changer
Grilling romaine brings out a slightly smoky, caramelized edge that adds depth and richness you won’t find in a traditional Caesar. The warm, lightly charred leaves contrast beautifully with the cool, creamy dressing — a simple step with big flavor impact.
Toasted Breadcrumbs for Crunch and Texture
Forget croutons — toasted gluten‑free breadcrumbs bring golden crunch and subtle savory notes. Coated in olive oil and lightly seasoned (with a hint of garlic and, if you like, a sprinkle of Parmesan), they add irresistible texture with every bite.
Classic Caesar with a Fresh Twist
The creamy Caesar dressing ties everything together with tangy, savory flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the smoky romaine and makes this salad feel vibrant, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.
Elegant Yet Easy
This salad looks beautiful on the table and comes together quickly. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or any time you want something fresh with a bit of grill magic.
When to Serve Grilled Romaine Caesar
This salad is wonderfully versatile and works in many settings:
- Summer cookouts and backyard barbecues — pairs beautifully with grilled proteins
- Weeknight dinners — adds freshness and texture without a lot of fuss
- Dinner parties and gatherings — elegant enough for company
- Light lunches — hearty and satisfying without feeling heavy
Serve it alongside grilled shrimp, chicken skewers, steak, or even hearty roasted veggies — the smoky romaine complements virtually anything on the table.
Tips & Variations for Success
- Grill just until charred: Light grill marks add flavor without wilting the lettuce too much. You want warmth and texture, not a soggy leaf.
- Use high‑heat: Give your grill a minute or two to get good and hot before adding the romaine halves.
- Experiment with toppings: Add shaved Parmesan, crispy bacon bits, or toasted nuts for extra richness.
- Boost brightness: A little extra lemon juice or lemon zest in the dressing adds a refreshing pop.
- Make it heartier: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this into a complete meal.
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs takes a familiar favorite and gives it fresh personality. The smoky char from the grill, the crunch of golden breadcrumbs, and the creaminess of classic Caesar dressing combine to create a salad that’s anything but ordinary. It’s perfect for warm weather, pairs with almost any entrée, and makes salads exciting again — no matter the season.
Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
Vegan Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons capers
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup vegan parmesan cheese
Toasted Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Grilled Romaine
- 2 small-medium heads of romaine lettuce, , whole
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small blender and blend until smooth or blend in a bowl using an immersion blender. Add water to thin if desired and more salt & pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and ½ tablespoon olive oil together in a small bowl and toss to coat the breadcrumbs in the oil. Place the breadcrumbs in the skillet and sauté until they start to crisp, tossing frequently to avoid burning. Once they are golden brown, place back into the bowl and set aside.
- Heat a griddle pan over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cut each head of romaine lettuce in half (top to bottom), wash, shake dry and then place the halves onto the griddle. Grill until they start to turn golden, then flip and grill the other side. This can also be done on a grill.
- Place the romaine lettuce onto plates. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
