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Grilled Caesar Salad

With just 2 minutes on the grill, crisp romaine develops a smoky, charred flavor without wilting. Add a garlicky anchovy dressing, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and grill-toasted croutons, and you have a whole new way to enjoy classic Caesar salad. The salad pairs with all your barbecue favorites, but a hearty steak is its perfect match. Prep the dressing in advance—store it in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before using—and grill the romaine while your meat rests.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2

flat anchovy fillets, drained and chopped

1

small garlic clove, chopped

1

/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1

/4 teaspoon salt

1

/4 teaspoon black pepper

12

(1/2-inch-thick) slices baguette

1

large egg

2

tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste

3

hearts of romaine (18 ounces)

1

/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 1 ounce)

Special equipment: Gas or charcoal grill

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Purée the anchovies, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth.

    Step 2

    Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas).

    Step 3

    Brush both sides of the baguette slices with some of the anchovy dressing, then grill the bread, turning over occasionally, until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the egg and lemon juice to the dressing in the blender and blend until emulsified, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt.

    Step 4

    Cut the romaine hearts in half lengthwise, then grill, cut sides down, covered only if using a gas grill, until grill marks just appear, about 2 minutes. Cut the romaine crosswise into 2-inch-wide strips and transfer to a bowl.

    Step 5

    Halve or quarter the toasts and add to the romaine along with the cheese.

    Step 6

    Toss the salad with just enough dressing to coat and serve immediately.

The Epicurious Cookbook