The first time someone mentioned grilling lettuce I was completely grossed out. I did not have the mental framework to imagine anything good coming from that preparation. Grilling was for meat and some vegetables I thought. However after trying a grilled lettuce salad I was hooked! The lettuce was still crunchy and the flavor migrates to be deeper and smoky, actually giving the lettuce some flavor (which lighter varieties often do not have much of).
I love, love, love a Caesar Salad. The crunchy romaine lettuce. The tangy dressing. Crunch of croutons done well (however for we gluten-free those usually have to be forgone in restaurants at least). I love some protein on the salad too to make it a full and filling entrée.
With my current ‘thrill for the grill’ going on I decided to create a grilled Caesar Salad. It’s easy to make and a great summer option for a full meal. In this recipe the romaine lettuce and bread (or gluten-free rolls as I used) are grilled in addition to some succulent boneless chicken breasts. I’ve lightened up the dressing, still retaining the signature flavors but making it forgiving to our exposed summer waistlines.
The entire salad takes about 12 minutes to grill if grilling the components in serial fashion (I’m distractable so that worked best for me). The time can be made shorter grilling the lettuce and bread at the same time but needs to be watched closely to not char them more than desired. The dressing may be made beforehand and chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use it, or warmed at room temperature (though due to the sour cream it should not be left out for any duration especially in hot temperatures).
This salad is great on its own or as an accompaniment for a light entrée.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Light & Creamy Caesar Dressing:
- 1/3 cup Light Sour Cream
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Anchovy Paste
- 2 medium Garlic Cloves , minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper , preferably freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
Ingredients for the salad and preparation:
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2-3 teaspoon mixed Fresh Herbs (I used lemon thyme, oregano, chives and a bit of rosemary; use the flavors you love best), diced
- 1 pound boneless , skinless Chicken Breasts, usually 2 breasts per pound
- 3 Romaine Lettuce Hearts (they are usually sold in packages of 3)
- For Gluten-eaters: 4-6 thick slices of French Bread (baguette)
- For Gluten-free eaters: 4 Udi’s French Dinner rolls (or equivalent gluten-free bread option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- Optional: a handful of wood to add smoke to the chicken grilling (I used apple wood) and a piece of heavy duty foil approximately 8 inches by 6 inches)
Instructions
- Combine the ¼ cup of olive oil and fresh herbs in a bowl. Set aside.
Preparing the dressing:
- Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk to fully combine. Cover and set aside or refrigerate if using later.
Grilling the Chicken:
- Heat the grill to medium heat at 350 degrees (gas or charcoal). Clean and oil the grill. If adding smoke to the chicken grilling: place the piece of foil at the back of the heating grill and add the wood on top of the foil. When the grill reaches 350 degrees and the wood begins to smoke, clean and oil the grill.¬
- While the grill is heating, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper and pound them to an even thickness. They should not be ultra-thin but rather the majority of the thicker portions should be a uniform thickness (refer to the grill photo). This ensures even cooking.
- Lightly brush one side of the chicken breasts with the olive oil-herb mixture. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared grill, olive oil brushed side facing the grill, for 1 ½ minutes with the grill lid closed; rotate 90 degrees and cook for another 1 ½ minutes (the rotation makes the great grill marks).
- Lightly brush the top of the chicken breasts and flip them over on the grill. Grill 1 ½ minutes then rotate 90 degrees and cook another 1 ½ minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should register 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer and any juice will run clear. Note: if using smaller chicken breast portions modify the cooking time to not overcook.
- iPhone Grill Set Up photo below (note: use about half the amount of wood chips shown in the photo)
- Remove from the grill to rest. Carefully remove the foil and wood chips is smoking.
Grilling the Bread/Rolls:
- If using rolls slice them lengthwise. Brush the cut side lightly with the olive oil-herb mixture and place face down on the grill. Brush the top side of the bread/rolls with the olive oil mixture while on the grill. Watch carefully and flip over as soon as grill marks appear (30 seconds to 1 minute per side). Set aside.
Grilling the Romaine Lettuce:
- Remove any damaged outer leaves. Slice the lettuce lengthwise retaining the root which will hold the lettuce together during grilling.
- Lightly brush both sides of the lettuce with the olive oil-herb mixture and place on the grill. Grill until marks appear; 1-2 minutes. Flip over and repeat. Remove and allow to rest for a few minutes.
Assembling the salad:
- Chop off the root from the grilled lettuce hearts. Slice across the romaine hearts and add to a serving bowl. Cut grilled bread/rolls into bite-size pieces and add to the bowl. Slice chicken across the breast and add to the bowl. Toss with the dressing and parmesan cheese; serve.
Sammie says
What an absolutely brilliant idea to grill the lettuce. This salad looks delicious. With our English weather I may have to use a grill pan indoors!! Great post. Sammie http://www.feastingisfun.com
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Beautiful salad! I was the same way re grilling lettuce, but once I tried it, I was hooked. A great summer twist on the classic. Loving your creamy light dressing, too!
Linda@ThereandBackAgainFood says
I used to order a salad similar to this one when I lived in Massachusetts. I’d forgotten all about it until I read your post. Thanks for the reminder! I’ve never grilled lettuce, but now I’ll have to give it a go.
Ben says
There’s nothing like a great Ceasar salad but I have never heard of grilling lettuce before…but I’m open to trying it….
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I love that you grilled every part of this salad!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I haven’t tried grilling lettuce yet but I think it looks very interesting. This salad looks pretty amazing and I love the light dressing. Very nice Toni! Sharing!
Chris Scheuer says
You’re making me so hungry Toni! I love grilled Romaine and it would be fantastic in a Caesar salad. Great idea!
Shannon Gurnee says
I love Chicken Caesar Salad! I’ve never had it wear the lettuce is grilled though. It sounds delicious!!!
Cinny says
I love a good grilled chicken cesar salad! I’ll have to try making this next time.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Grilled chicken Caesar salads are my FAVORITE. I have never made my own before, but I think I am going to try it.
Mandee says
Wow! I’ve learned a lot from this post! I never would have thought to grill lettuce either, but now that you say it’s great, I’m going to have to try it! I also want to try the wood chips on the grill trick! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Demetra says
This salad looks amazing. I haven’t tried grilled Romaine lettuce, that’s something I’m going to have to make, it looks delicious.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
You weren’t kidding when you said your salad was grilled! I’ve never heard of grilling lettuce before. I’ll have to try this.
Melissa Pezza says
This is such an interesting idea. I’ve never heard of grilling lettuce before. That’s really cool.
MJ L says
Wow that looks amazing!!!! I definitely have to try this since I am a big salad eater!!
Candy O says
You know I’ve seen more posts about grilled romaine. I’ve got to try it!! That salad made me hungry!
Pam says
I had grilled romaine at a restaurant before. I didn’t think I would like it but it was really good.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
Absolutely beautiful! I LOVE grilled salads and this one looks like a winner!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
This grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe looks delish, thanks for sharing the recipe. I am big on salads especially in the summer! 🙂
Amanda O. says
I love a good caesar salad. Love how you grilled both the lettuce and chicken.
Felicia says
OH my, my mouth is watering! What a delicious looking salad that is full of good stuff!
Kristi says
We have never grilled lettuce here either, but you really have me wanting to try it now. We love to grill… just need to convince the hubby to branch out a bit and try it. Still working on him to give grilled peaches a try:)
Toni Dash says
I’m sure grilling lettuce will seem odd to him! However once you do it you will make sure it’s part of your grilling menu. It has such a great and unexpected flavor and texture. I think I have a recipe coming up this weekend that might be more up his alley. Stay tuned!
Kristi says
I wait to see what else you post!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like a amazing salad. I have never tried to grill my lettuce before. I am going to try this on the weekend.
Christie says
Wow, Caesar dressing is much more complicated than I thought! I love a good chicken caesar salad for the summer!
Lisa Bristol says
Caesar salad is my favorite. Grilled chicken is fantastic with it. I will have to try this. It looks delicious.
Crystal says
Wy don’t I grill my lettuce? I love everything else grilled. I seems like the natural next step. Trying that this week!
Chrystal | YUM eating says
Oh yummy, yummy! I love chicken salads and this grilled chicken Caesar salad sounds absolutely wonderful!
Tracey says
I never would have considered grilling lettuce either! Super interesting twist on the traditional Caesar.
Jeanine says
Oh that looks delicious. My kids and husband LOVE salads, and would probably flip for this. I will have to try it out for them! Something different for sure!
Donna says
Caesar salad is my favorite. I am going to have to try this recipe. It sound delicious.
Rosey says
Caesar Salad is my second oldest son’s choice of dinner more time than not during the hot months of the year. I bet he would love this one.
Marina @ Mommysnippets says
Mmm, this looks amazing! Caesar salad is my favorite.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
I never would’ve thought to grill lettuce either! It looks like a yummy restaurant style salad!
Krystal says
This is like my favorite meal ever!!! I amo bsessed with caesar salads. I need to try this dressing.
Anjanette @MommaYoung says
That looks amazing. I love caesar salad and doing the chicken on the grill and the way you prepped the lettuce is to die for. Can’t wait to try it.
Veronica Morin says
Sounds beyond delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Kate says
This looks so good! I love a good Caesar salad, but usually don’t get to have the croutons because restaurants don’t have a gluten free option. And who would have thought to grill the lettuce?! This is on my summer list for sure!