Ingredients

2 hearts of romaine, sliced in half lengthwise

2 lemons, cut in half

½ baguette (gluten free if preferred), sliced on a bias into ¼ inch slices

Extra virgin olive oil

2 anchovies

2 garlic cloves

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon coarse black pepper

3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

¼ cup grilled lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)

2 egg yolks

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ cup extra virgin olive oil (for the dressing)

Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Optional: crispy pancetta or bacon, grilled chicken, or grilled salmon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill for indirect cooking using the two-zone grilling method, aiming for 400°F in the cooking chamber.

Step 2: Lightly drizzle the baguette slices with extra virgin olive oil.

Step 3: Place the romaine hearts, lemon halves, and bread slices directly on the grill over the direct heat. Grill each item for about 2 minutes per side, flipping frequently to avoid burning. Remove when the bread is toasted, lemons are charred, and romaine has grill marks but isn’t burnt.

Step 4: To prepare the dressing, combine anchovies, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese in a food processor. Blend until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 5: Add the grilled lemon juice, egg yolks, Dijon mustard, and ½ cup olive oil to the food processor. Blend on low speed for at least one minute until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.

Step 6: Remove the grilled items from the grill. Serve the romaine hearts topped with grilled lemon Caesar dressing, extra parmesan cheese, and your choice of crispy pancetta, bacon, grilled chicken, or salmon.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free baguette slices if you prefer a gluten-free salad.

For extra smoky flavor, leave the lemons and romaine on the grill an additional minute but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Adding grilled chicken or salmon turns this salad into a satisfying main dish.

If raw egg yolks are a concern, substitute with pasteurized yolks or use a Caesar dressing recipe without eggs.

FAQs

Can I make the Caesar dressing without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely mince the anchovies and garlic by hand and whisk all ingredients vigorously to emulsify the dressing, though the texture may be less smooth.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the dressing?

Raw egg yolks carry a slight risk of salmonella. To reduce risk, use pasteurized eggs or substitute with mayonnaise or an egg-free Caesar dressing alternative.