Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Grilled Avocado & Romaine Caesar.
Featuring smoky, charred romaine and creamy avocado, this plant-based twist on a classic Caesar is rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant protein from hemp hearts.
Quick to prepare and low in saturated fat, it’s a satisfying, nutrient-packed option perfect for everyday meals or effortless meal prep.
Grilled Avocado & Romaine Caesar Salad
Equipment
- 1 grill or grill pan
- 1 large baking tray
- 1 High-Speed Blender
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 large head romaine quartered lengthwise, stem intact
- 1 firm avocado pitted and quartered
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or other high-heat oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Creamy Hemp Caesar Dressing:
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons shelled hemp hearts
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove smashed and peeled
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Veggies: Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over high heat to ensure it is hot enough for searing. While the grill warms, wash the romaine thoroughly and cut it into quarters lengthwise, keeping the stem intact so the leaves hold together while grilling. Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and cut each half into quarters. Arrange the romaine and avocado on a large baking tray and brush lightly with grapeseed oil to coat evenly. Season all pieces with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Grill the Romaine and Avocado: Once the grill is hot, transfer the romaine and avocado directly onto the grill surface. Position the avocado flesh-side down to create beautiful char marks and develop a smoky flavor. Allow the veggies to sear for about 2 minutes, then gently rotate 90 degrees to achieve crosshatch grill lines. Carefully flip the romaine and avocado as needed, grilling until all sides are lightly charred and smoky, which typically takes 6–8 minutes total. Remove from the grill and return to the baking tray to cool slightly while preparing the dressing.
- Blend the Creamy Hemp Caesar Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients — shelled hemp hearts, water, fresh lemon juice, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, smashed garlic clove, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper — into a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure an even texture. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to achieve a bright, balanced flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the grilled romaine quarters on serving plates. Carefully place the grilled avocado pieces alongside or on top of the romaine. Drizzle the hemp Caesar dressing generously over the salad, or serve it on the side if preferred. Ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed so that each bite is flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle a few extra hemp hearts or a pinch of black pepper over the top for added texture and presentation. Serve immediately while the romaine is still slightly warm and the avocado creamy. Encourage gentle tossing to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing. Enjoy fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Tips for Perfect Results: Use a high-heat oil like grapeseed or avocado to prevent sticking and achieve ideal sear marks. Be gentle when flipping avocado, as it is delicate. Adjust dressing consistency by adding a splash of water for a thinner pourable texture or blending longer for a thicker creaminess. For added smoky flavor, briefly char the romaine over an open flame or cast-iron grill pan.
Notes
- Choose firm yet ripe avocados for grilling so they hold their shape without becoming mushy.
- When grilling romaine, leave the stem intact to keep the leaves together and maintain structure.
- High-heat oils like grapeseed, avocado, or refined coconut oil work best for grilling without smoke.
- The hemp Caesar dressing can be adjusted in consistency: add a splash of water for a thinner pour or blend longer for a thicker, creamy texture.
- To save time, prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For extra texture, sprinkle toasted hemp seeds or crushed nuts on top just before serving.
Chef’s Secrets: Unlocking Maximum Flavor
Grilling the romaine and avocado adds a subtle smokiness that transforms this classic salad into a summer-worthy dish.
Make sure your grill is preheated thoroughly; a hot surface ensures quick searing and prevents sticking.
Don’t overcrowd the grill — this allows each piece to char evenly.
For the dressing, blending the hemp hearts until completely smooth is key to achieving a creamy texture without dairy.
A touch of lemon juice brightens flavors, while nutritional yeast lends a naturally savory, umami punch reminiscent of traditional Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways To Enjoy
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side for grilled vegetables, vegan proteins, or plant-based burgers.
For a heartier meal, serve it alongside quinoa, roasted chickpeas, or grilled tofu for additional protein and fiber.
Pair with crisp white wines or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing summer combo.
Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance both aroma and presentation, making it visually appealing for guests.
Storage Tips: Keep Fresh And Delicious
The grilled romaine and avocado are best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture.
Leftovers can be stored separately keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Grilled vegetables can be refrigerated for 1 day but may lose their charred texture.
Avoid pre-mixing the dressing with the salad, as this can make the leaves soggy.
Reheat the romaine gently on a grill pan if desired, then combine with fresh avocado slices and dressing before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or even roast the romaine and avocado in the oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
2. Can I substitute the hemp hearts in the dressing?
Absolutely. Cashews or sunflower seeds can be used as alternatives. Soak them briefly in water before blending for a similarly creamy texture.
3. How do I know when the avocado is ready to grill?
Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are still firm. Overripe avocados may turn mushy when grilled, while under-ripe ones will be hard and flavorless.
4. Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the hemp Caesar dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir or blend again before serving for best consistency.
5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat, and store grilled romaine and avocado in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
