This Smoky Caesar Salad with Grilled Lemons and Homemade Croutons offers a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad. With a smoky flavor that comes from grilled lemons and homemade croutons, this version brings an exciting depth of flavor to a beloved dish. The creamy homemade Caesar dressing ties everything together, making it an ideal side or main course. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or at a summer gathering, this elevated Caesar salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Smoky Caesar Salad is a unique take on a classic, combining the traditional crispy Romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons with an unexpected smoky twist. The grilled lemons add a burst of citrusy smokiness that enhances the salad’s overall flavor, while the homemade croutons bring a satisfying crunch. Making the dressing from scratch allows you to control the flavors, and you’ll taste the difference. It’s a light yet satisfying salad that works perfectly as a side or a standalone meal.

Smoky Caesar Salad with Grilled Lemons and Homemade Croutons

Ingredients

For the Salad:

3 Romaine lettuce hearts, washed and chopped
1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling lemons)
1 loaf of French baguette or sourdough, cubed
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer taste)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

For Grilled Lemons:

2 lemons, halved

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Croutons:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Croutons: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake the Croutons: Bake the croutons for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.

For the Grilled Lemons:

Grill the Lemons: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the cut sides of the lemon halves with a little olive oil. Place them cut side down on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the lemons are slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the Caesar Dressing:

Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

For Assembling the Salad:

Prepare the Lettuce: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with a few tablespoons of Caesar dressing to lightly coat.
Add the Croutons: Add the homemade croutons to the salad, tossing to combine.
Grill the Lemons: Squeeze the grilled lemon halves over the salad to add a smoky citrus flavor. Optionally, serve the grilled lemon halves on the side for guests to add more juice to their taste.
Finish the Salad: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and any remaining dressing. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a heartier meal.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise, plant-based yogurt, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also use roasted chickpeas as a crouton alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best served fresh. However, you can store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The croutons can be stored in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating: If you have leftover croutons, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp them.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, you can use store-bought croutons in place of homemade ones, but homemade croutons will give the salad a much fresher and crunchier texture.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While the dressing and croutons can be made ahead, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy.

3. Can I omit the anchovy paste from the dressing?

You can omit the anchovy paste if you’re vegetarian or don’t like the flavor, but it does add depth to the dressing. You could replace it with a dash of soy sauce for an umami flavor.

4. Can I use bottled Caesar dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time, though homemade dressing provides a fresher taste.

5. How do I make the croutons without butter?

To make dairy-free croutons, substitute the butter with olive oil or your favorite plant-based oil. You can also use vegan butter if you prefer.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Try adding sliced cucumbers, roasted beets, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

7. Can I make the croutons in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry the croutons. Simply coat the bread cubes in butter, season, and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.

8. How do I store leftover grilled lemons?

Leftover grilled lemons can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can use them in other dishes or squeeze over salads, fish, or roasted vegetables.

9. Can I make the dressing without Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or even silken tofu for a dairy-free version of the dressing.

10. Can I serve this salad with grilled steak?

Absolutely! Grilled steak pairs beautifully with this salad and will make it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

This Smoky Caesar Salad with Grilled Lemons and Homemade Croutons is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar, bringing smoky, citrusy, and crunchy flavors together in one dish. The smoky grilled lemons and homemade croutons elevate the traditional Caesar, creating a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table! Enjoy the burst of flavor with every bite.