I can’t wait to share this Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing recipe with you because it’s a game-changer for summer salads. Imagine smoky, charred romaine hearts paired with crispy homemade croutons and a rich, smoky Caesar dressing that’s bursting with bold flavors. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to go back to plain Caesar again.

A white bowl filled with a single large romaine lettuce cut in half, charred and grilled with dark brown marks on the green edges and light green inner leaves, topped with toasted croutons that are golden brown with some blackened spots, sprinkled with finely grated pale parmesan cheese, while a creamy beige dressing with small pepper flakes is being poured slowly over the center from above. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred wooden object in the back. 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

This salad has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy Caesar. The smoky dressing combined with grilled romaine and croutons creates a depth of flavor and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for any occasion.

Bold smoky flavor: Thanks to the hickory liquid smoke and charred veggies, every bite is packed with rich, smoky notes.
Simple grilling magic: Grilling the romaine and bread takes just minutes but transforms the salad completely.
Fresh & tangy kick: Grilled lemons add a subtle caramelized sweetness that perfectly balances the dressing.
Perfect for gatherings: This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for summer BBQs, dinner parties, or family meals.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients because the quality of each one really makes a difference here. Grab fresh romaine hearts with tight leaves, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it adds that perfect salty, nutty flavor. Also, pick a good sturdy crusty white bread to make croutons that won’t fall apart on the grill.

Flat lay of four fresh romaine hearts sliced lengthwise, two whole bright yellow lemons cut in half, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy pale mayonnaise, a small white bowl filled with smooth, golden olive oil, one whole uncracked brown egg, a few thin slices of crusty white bread torn into bite-sized pieces, a small white bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with whole garlic cloves beside a garlic bulb, a small white bowl holding a dollop of Dijon mustard, a small white bowl containing anchovy paste, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a small white bowl with a small amount of liquid smoke, a small white bowl with Worcestershire sauce, a half lemon with bright yellow zest and fresh lemon juice arranged neatly—placed 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: The foundation of the salad; slicing them lengthwise allows for beautiful grill marks and perfect smoky char.
Parmesan cheese: Adds that classic salty, nutty depth—both in the salad and the dressing.
Crusty white bread: Perfect for homemade croutons; holds up well under grilling and tossing.
Olive oil: Essential for brushing the romaine, bread, and for making the dressing rich and smooth.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors.
Lemons (optional): When grilled with a sugar coating, they add a caramelized sweetness and bright acidity.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the smoky Caesar dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
Anchovy paste: Brings umami and that unmistakable Caesar depth.
Garlic: For a classic punch of flavor that complements the smoky dressing beautifully.
Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: Brighten the dressing and balance the richness.
Hickory liquid smoke: The secret ingredient for that signature smoky flavor without needing a smoker.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and savory notes 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

One of the best things about this Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you're craving a little extra smoky punch or need a vegetarian twist, you can make this salad truly your own. Let’s explore some fun variations!

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the anchovy paste and Worcestershire sauce for a vegan Worcestershire alternative. I’ve tried this for a family dinner, and the salad stayed just as flavorful without the anchovies, making everyone happy!
More Smoke, Please: If you love that smoky vibe, add a little extra hickory liquid smoke to your dressing. Start with ¾ teaspoon and adjust from there — it really amps up the grilled character.
Grilled Protein Add-ons: For a heartier meal, top your salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. The smoky dressing complements grilled proteins beautifully, turning a simple salad into a satisfying dinner.
Seasonal Twist: Try swapping grilled lemons for grilled orange halves in fall or winter. The caramelized citrus adds a sweet brightness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky dressing.

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

A white plate holds two halves of grilled romaine lettuce, showing light brown char marks on their bright green leaves covered with a creamy white dressing and small white grated cheese sprinkled on top. Around the lettuce pieces are irregular, golden toasted bread cubes. One grilled lemon half with a bright orange, slightly caramelized surface rests near the bottom edge. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl with more grilled romaine and bread cubes on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding a black fork with a gold handle placed near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Smoky Caesar Dressing

Start by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, hickory liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper right into your blender. Blend everything on low while slowly drizzling in olive oil—it’s like magic watching it emulsify into a rich, creamy dressing. Pop it in the fridge to chill—it tastes even better once the flavors meld together!

Step 2: Prep the Grill and Optional Lemons

Clean and oil your grill grate well to keep those romaine hearts and bread from sticking. Preheat your grill to a steady medium heat, aiming for around 350°F. If you’re adding that delightful caramelized citrus touch, sprinkle sugar on a plate and coat the cut sides of halved lemons in it—this sugar will create those beautiful grill marks and add sweetness when squeezed over the salad.

Step 3: Grill Romaine, Bread, and Lemons to Perfection

Brush all sides of your romaine hearts and bread slices lightly with olive oil to help them char beautifully without sticking. Place the romaine, sugar-dusted lemon halves (cut side down), and bread directly over the grill’s heat. Grill each side anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. You’re looking for perfect grill marks and a nice smoky char—this step gives the salad incredible depth and texture.

Step 4: Turn Grilled Bread into Crispy Croutons

Once the bread is grilled and cool enough to handle, tear it into bite-sized pieces. Toss these with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. This ensures each crouton is coated just right—crispy, flavorful, and perfect for adding crunch to your salad.

Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Caesar Salad Masterpiece

Lay the grilled romaine hearts out on a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan, scatter your homemade croutons on top, and drizzle the smoky Caesar dressing over everything. Serve right away with those gorgeous grilled lemon halves on the side—encourage everyone to give their salads a squeeze of that smoky, caramelized citrus for a lively burst of flavor.

Top Tip

These tips come from plenty of grilling sessions and salad experimentation — they’ll help you master the art of making the best Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe effortlessly.

Master the Grill Temperature: Keeping your grill at a steady medium heat around 350°F is key — it lets the romaine and bread char beautifully without burning, preserving that smoky balance.
Oil is Your Best Friend: Always oil both the grill grate and the romaine/bread before grilling. I learned the hard way that skipping this step can lead to sticking and tearing, which breaks the delicate structure of your salad components.
Emulsify the Dressing Slowly: When blending the dressing, drizzle in the olive oil gradually to get that perfectly creamy, silky texture that clings to your salad so well.
Watch the Lemons Closely: Whether you’re grilling lemons for caramelized sweetness or not, keep an eye on them since the sugar can burn quickly if left unattended.

How to Serve Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe

A metal baking tray holds eight halves of romaine lettuce, showing bright green outer leaves and lighter green to yellowish inner leaves, arranged mostly in two rows along the top and bottom edges of the tray. Among the lettuce are thick slices of white bread scattered in two uneven piles toward the center and lower right of the tray. Three lemon halves and slices with a bright yellow color are placed around the lettuce, adding color contrast. The tray sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese over the assembled salad and add a few cracked black peppercorns. If you grilled the lemon halves, place them on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh, smoky citrus juice to brighten the rich dressing. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives also adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Caesar Salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken breasts or smoky BBQ ribs for a hearty summer meal. If you want a lighter option, try serving it alongside a chilled gazpacho or grilled shrimp skewers. Crusty garlic bread or a simple pasta salad also complement the smoky notes beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled romaine, croutons, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but the components can last up to 2 days when stored properly.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on the crisp texture of grilled romaine and fresh dressing, freezing is not recommended. However, you can freeze the smoky Caesar dressing alone in a small, sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To revive leftover croutons, heat them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until crisp again. The grilled romaine is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed there. Give the dressing a quick stir before drizzling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the smoky Caesar dressing without anchovies?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian or anchovy-free version, simply omit the anchovy paste and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or substitute with soy sauce for that umami depth.

How do I prevent the romaine from wilting after grilling?

Grill the romaine just long enough to get good char marks—about 2 to 5 minutes per side—then remove it immediately. Serve the salad promptly to enjoy the crisp yet smoky texture. Avoid overdressing until right before serving.

Is hickory liquid smoke necessary for the dressing?

It’s an essential ingredient that adds a subtle smoky depth to the dressing, enhancing the grilled flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it but your dressing will be less smoky.

Can this salad be prepared without a grill?

You can try charring the romaine and bread under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove, but the authentic smoky flavor is best achieved on a real grill over medium heat at 350°F.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way grilling transforms the humble Caesar salad into a smoky, textured feast. I hope this Grilled Caesar Salad with Smoky Dressing Recipe inspires you to fire up your grill and savor the delicious layers of flavor it brings to your table. Whether it’s a casual summer get-together or a sophisticated dinner, this salad is sure to be a standout. Enjoy every smoky, tangy bite!