Grilled Romaine With Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe
In July, I had the great opportunity to host my very first Farm-to-Table pop-up with TreeTop Journey! If you haven’t heard of TreeTop Journey yet, they’re all about creating amazing outdoor experiences—from scenic Upstate Supper Hikes to weekend camping trips. What makes them truly special? They offer a chef-prepared seasonal five-course dinner, crafted with organic ingredients, and cooked on-site in the great outdoors. Plus, they make it super convenient with a cool blue pickup van that takes guests from Greenpoint, Brooklyn, straight to the event. How great is that?
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We were lucky with the weather on the day of my Supper Hike, which fell on a perfect Saturday with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s. Upon arriving at Nyack State Park, we unloaded our gear and set up our dining space right in the woods, beneath towering cliffs. The views were breathtaking, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.
As we settled in, I put together a menu focused on plant-based dishes, including what turned out to be one of the easiest salads I’ve ever made—grilled lettuces with a tangy, herb-infused dressing. It was such a hit with the guests that I’m excited to feature it here on Victoria’s Earth Kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a quick yet impressive salad that packs big flavor!
Grilled Romaine
Be sure to grab pre-washed romaine from your local grocery store—freshly washed lettuce can turn soggy on the grill. With pre-washed romaine, it grills up crisp and perfectly charred, giving you that ideal texture for a grilled Caesar salad that tastes like it’s from a fancy restaurant.
The dressing? So easy and creamy, yet packed with flavor—perfect for this classic Caesar salad. This makes the perfect side dish, whether for a weeknight meal or a dinner party. Use a griddle pan for that smoky char, and a sprinkle of garlic powder and sunflower seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
It’s a delicious recipe you can make in no time, with no fancy kitchen skills required. Don’t forget to check my affiliate links for the ingredients and tools I used!
There are multiple reasons why grilled romaine is an amazing dish:
Flavor Enhancement: Grilling brings out a smoky, charred flavor that adds depth to the romaine’s naturally sweet and slightly bitter taste. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the lettuce, making it more flavorful.
Texture Contrast: Grilling gives romaine a crisp-tender texture. The outside gets a nice char, while the inside remains fresh and crunchy, creating a satisfying contrast.
Simplicity: It’s a quick and easy way to elevate a simple ingredient. Just a few minutes on the grill can transform romaine into a gourmet side dish.
Versatility: Grilled romaine can be customized with various toppings and dressings. It pairs well with a range of flavors, from a classic Caesar dressing to a tangy vinaigrette or even a sprinkle of cheese and nuts.
Nutritional Benefits: Romaine lettuce is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. Grilling it doesn’t significantly alter its nutritional value, so you still get the health benefits while enjoying a new flavor profile.
Overall, grilled romaine is a tasty, versatile, and healthy option that can complement many meals.
I paired the grilled romaine with a drizzle of vegan Caear dressing, which, in my opinion, is the best vegan Caesar I’ve ever had. However, I’ll let you be the judge. I decided to use peaches as the seasonal produce to complement the dish. To give it some texture, I chose roasted unsalted hazelnuts and roughly chopped them. In terms of herbs, I had micro basil and dill flowers. To make the dish stand out, I added edible flowers for a finishing touch and a vibrant pop of color.
Chef’s Tip
Be sure to get the pre-washed romaine from your local grocery store. From my experience, grilling washed romaine results in a soggy and wilted texture, whereas grilling already pre-washed romaine lettuce makes it nice and crisp. Crisp romaine lettuce is definitely the desired outcome for this grilled vegan caesar salad.
Did you know that romaine lettuce was highly favored by ancient Egyptians? Romaine lettuce has been grown since ancient times and was highly prized by the Egyptians for its healing qualities and sleep-inducing abilities. It was even utilized in religious ceremonies and as a representation of fertility. So, when you enjoy a crisp romaine salad today, you’re partaking in a tradition that dates back thousands of years!
If you make our Grilled Romaine With Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe, please let us know by leaving a rating below!
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Grilled Romaine With Vegan Caesar Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow cashews to soak in hot water for 5 minutes, then remove the liquid. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth, then transfer to a quart or mason jar.
- Get your grill pan nice and hot on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Put your lettuce on a baking sheet or large platter and brush romaine halves with olive oil and finish with a sprinkle of salt.
- Place your romaine halves on the grill without disturbing them for approximately 2-3 minutes or until grill marks form.
- Remove lettuce and place on a large plate. Drizzle caesar dressing, add nuts, peaches, finishing salt, black pepper, little olive oil, herbs and edible flowers. Serve while hot.
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