Grilled Romaine & Radicchio Caesar Salad: An Easy, Smoky Twist on a Classic
Prepare to elevate your salad game with this truly delectable Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad. The classic Caesar salad has long been a beloved staple on menus worldwide, cherished for its crisp texture, creamy dressing, and savory Parmesan notes. It’s certainly a personal favorite for many, but this recipe introduces a modern, effortless twist that promises to surprise and delight. By simply adding your favorite Caesar dressing—whether a quick bottled option or a rich homemade concoction—you can transform ordinary greens into an extraordinary side dish. Imagine your grill fired up, juicy steaks sizzling on one side, and this incredible, easy-to-make salad coming to life on the other. What could be better than that? In just a few minutes, you can achieve a gourmet steak dinner with a special touch, all without breaking a sweat.
For many years, the idea of grilling lettuce held little appeal. My culinary philosophy was always, “Nothing beats a cold, crunchy salad!” The thought of warm, softened greens felt counter-intuitive to everything I loved about fresh salads. However, a moment of inspiration struck one day after I acquired some particularly beautiful heads of radicchio and found myself unsure how to best utilize them. I decided to try grilling them, primarily hoping that the heat would mellow radicchio’s characteristic bitterness without completely cooking it down to mush. To my pleasant surprise, the experiment was a resounding success! The radicchio retained a delightful, slightly crisp bite while its intense flavor softened into something wonderfully complex and nuanced. Inspired by this discovery, I then decided to add romaine lettuce to the grill to see what magic might happen there. Romaine also softened beautifully, but more notably, grilling imparted a subtle sweetness to its leaves, creating a magnificent complement to the now-mellowed radicchio. Since then, this grilled Caesar has become a firm favorite in my kitchen, a refreshing departure from its traditional counterpart. I’ve prepared it with both classic crunchy croutons and, as a fantastic gluten-free alternative, with savory Parmesan crisps. Both options enhance the salad marvelously, proving that sometimes, the best culinary innovations come from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new techniques.
How to Make the Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting this unique grilled Caesar salad is surprisingly straightforward and adds an impressive, sophisticated touch to any meal. Here’s a detailed guide to achieving perfect results every time:
1. Prepare Your Grill for Optimal Results
To begin, preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, typically ranging between 400-450°F (200-230°C). A clean grill is absolutely crucial for preventing the delicate lettuce from sticking and for ensuring you get those desirable, distinct grill marks. Before placing any food, take a moment to thoroughly scrape off any lingering debris from previous cooks. A well-maintained grilling surface also helps to distribute heat evenly, allowing your lettuce to char beautifully without burning.
2. Wash, Dry, and Cut the Greens with Precision
Thoroughly wash your romaine lettuce under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and grit are removed. Excess moisture can cause the lettuce to steam rather than grill, preventing proper charring and the development of those coveted smoky flavors. The best way to dry lettuce is by using a salad spinner, or by gently patting the leaves with clean paper towels until they are as dry as possible. Once dry, cut the head of romaine lettuce in half lengthwise, making sure to keep the core intact. This cut allows for maximum surface area contact with the hot grill while keeping the leaves together for easier handling. For the radicchio, adjust your cut based on its size: if it’s a larger head, cut it into quarters through the core; if it’s a smaller head, simply cut it in half. Again, keeping a portion of the core intact is key, as it helps hold the leaves together during the grilling process.
3. Oil and Season Generously for Flavor and Texture
Once your greens are perfectly prepped, it’s time to add a crucial layer of flavor and ensure they don’t stick to the grill. Lightly brush or spray all sides of both the romaine and radicchio with a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Don’t forget to get between the outer leaves and the inside for full, even coverage. The olive oil not only adds a rich flavor but also helps the lettuce char beautifully and evenly, developing that desirable smoky crust. After oiling, season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. These simple seasonings are essential for enhancing the greens’ natural flavors, especially the newfound sweetness that develops in the grilled romaine.
4. The Grilling Process: Achieving Smoky Perfection
Now, your meticulously prepared greens are ready for the heat. You have the option to place them directly on the clean grill grates for a more pronounced char and direct contact with the flames, or you can use a grill mat for easier handling and a slightly less intense, more even cook. Place the oiled and seasoned romaine and radicchio cut-side down first to initiate charring on the larger surface. Cook for approximately 5-10 minutes total, turning the greens every minute or so. It’s important to keep a close eye on them; you’ll want to watch for signs of softening, slight wilting on the edges, and the appearance of distinct grill marks. Pay particularly close attention, as romaine tends to cook a few minutes faster than radicchio due to its more delicate, watery structure. Continue to turn and monitor them carefully until they have softened to your liking and display a lovely, gentle char. The total cook time will vary depending on the size of the lettuce heads and the intensity of your specific grill, so trust your judgment and visual cues.
5. Rest and Serve with Flair
Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the romaine and radicchio from the heat and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes on a cutting board or platter. This resting period is surprisingly crucial, as the carryover heat will continue to gently soften the greens, allowing their smoky, sweet, and mellowed bitter flavors to meld beautifully and intensify. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a bit more wilting during this time; it’s a natural part of the process. At this point, you have several elegant and delicious serving options:
- Elegant Wedges: For a visually striking presentation, serve the grilled halves or quarters as they are, simply drizzled with your favorite Caesar dressing. This allows guests to appreciate the unique grilled texture.
- Classic Chopped: For a more traditional salad experience, or if you prefer easier eating, chop the rested greens into larger, bite-sized pieces.
No matter your presentation choice, toss your chosen grilled greens with your preferred Caesar dressing, a generous sprinkle of freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, and your choice of additions—crisp croutons for a classic crunch, or savory Parmesan crisps for a delicious gluten-free, extra-savory option. Finish with a fresh crack of black pepper, perhaps a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, and serve immediately. This Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad offers a perfect, unforgettable balance of crispy edges, a captivating smoky aroma, subtle sweetness from the romaine, and the wonderfully mellowed bitterness of the radicchio. It’s undeniably delicious and a truly innovative way to enjoy a timeless classic!
Tips and Variations for Your Ultimate Grilled Caesar Salad
While this recipe is fantastic as written, there are many ways to customize your Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad to perfectly suit your preferences, dietary needs, or the occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Dressing Customization: Experiment with different Caesar dressing recipes. A homemade dressing can offer unparalleled freshness and allow you to control ingredients, while high-quality store-bought options provide fantastic convenience. For an extra burst of brightness, consider adding a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Exciting Topping Upgrades:
- Homemade Croutons: Elevate your salad with homemade crunchy croutons made from stale bread, seasoned and toasted to perfection for superior flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Crisps: For a gluten-free and extra-savory crunch, bake thin piles of grated Parmesan cheese on parchment paper until golden and crispy. They add an incredible umami punch.
- Protein Power-Up: Easily transform this side dish into a satisfying main course by adding your favorite grilled protein. Think tender grilled chicken breast, succulent shrimp, flaky salmon, or even thinly sliced leftover grilled steak.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or even delicate dill can add another layer of aromatic flavor and vibrant color.
- Alternative Cheeses: While Parmesan is the classic choice, shaved Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese can offer an interesting, tangy twist.
- Explore Other Grilled Greens: This grilling technique isn’t limited solely to romaine and radicchio! Experiment with other hearty greens like Belgian endive, escarole, or even thicker-leaved varieties of cabbage for different flavor profiles and textural experiences.
- Integrate More Grilled Vegetables: Enhance the smoky profile and add nutritional value by grilling additional vegetables alongside your lettuce. Asparagus spears, colorful bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes on skewers, or zucchini planks all work wonderfully. Toss them with the salad for added color, vitamins, and texture.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can wash, dry, and cut your lettuce ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator until needed. For the freshest and most flavorful experience, grill the lettuce just before serving to ensure the best warm, smoky flavor and tender-crisp texture.
This versatile and vibrant salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. Imagine enjoying this delicious Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar with our mouthwatering Two-Ingredient Tri Tip Roast, your favorite juicy grilled steaks, or even alongside comforting pasta dishes like our flavorful Pasta with Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Garlic. It’s the ideal accompaniment for summer barbecues, holiday meals, or any occasion where you crave a fresh, yet uniquely flavored, vegetable side that truly stands out.
Looking for another absolutely delicious and wholesome salad to add to your repertoire? Be sure to try our vibrant Colorful Superfood Spinach Salad. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or new to the fascinating concept of cooking greens over an open flame, this Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad is a must-try. Its dynamic blend of smoky, sweet, and subtly bitter notes will redefine your expectations of what a salad can be, offering a truly unforgettable culinary experience that’s both easy to achieve and wonderfully impressive.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
Grilled Romaine and Radicchio Caesar Salad
Ana | Claudia’s Table
December 16, 2020
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce cut in half lengthwise, core intact
- 1 head radicchio cut in quarters (if large) or halves (if small), core intact
- olive oil, extra virgin for brushing or spraying
- salt
- pepper
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing approximate, to taste (homemade or bottled)
- Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved for serving, to taste
- Croutons or Parmesan crisps for serving, optional
Instructions
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and free from any residue.
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Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Cut each head in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact. For the radicchio, cut larger heads into quarters or smaller heads in half through the core.
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Lightly brush or spray all sides of both the romaine and radicchio with extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
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Place the prepared greens directly on the hot grill grates (or use a grill mat). Cook for approximately 5-10 minutes total, turning every minute or so. Watch for the greens to soften slightly, wilt around the edges, and develop distinct char marks. Romaine may cook slightly faster than radicchio.
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Remove the grilled romaine and radicchio from the heat and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows for carryover cooking and helps the flavors meld.
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You can serve the grilled greens as elegant wedges, or chop them into larger pieces for a more traditional salad. Toss with Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of croutons or Parmesan crisps.
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Finish with an additional crack of fresh black pepper and serve immediately as a unique side dish or light main course.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com
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