The Dish | Grilled Caesar Salad

In summer, I like to grill every part of a meal if I can. This salad comes together in minutes with a super easy dressing. For a heartier meal, add sliced grilled chicken, shrimp or pancetta.

INGREDIENTS:

Dressing:

  • 1 -2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 4 anchovies, or 1 Tbs anchovy paste
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp Dijon, or to taste
  • ½ – ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1 Tbs Worcestershire
  • 1 Tbs red wine vinegar, or fresh lemon
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Salad:
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 heads romaine or romaine hearts, split lengthwise
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

Croutons:

  • 3 thick slices crusty bread
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
  • For the dressing, smash the minced garlic and anchovy with flat side of a knife into a paste. Add the egg yolks, mustard, garlic/anchovy paste and whisk together. Add a small stream of olive oil while continuing to whisk to emulsify. Add the Worcestershire sauce, and continue to whisk. Add the red-wine vinegar (or lemon), whisk to combine, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Heat grill to medium to medium-high heat. Brush 2 Tbs olive oil over the cut heads of lettuce. Place romaine cut side down on the heated grill and cook 1-2 minutes, until charred but not overly wilted.
  • Brush the bread slices with a tablespoon of olive oil and grill it for about 5 minutes, then cut it into cubes. Or, cut into cubes first, add olive oil and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Lightly dress the grilled romaine hearts and serve with additional dressing. Add croutons.

This week’s Dish is reposted from July 2021.

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