Grilled Caesar Salad

Grilled lettuce? Yes, please! You might be skeptical about grilling lettuce, but when done right, the hearty romaine leaves turn slightly charred with a smoky flavor, enhancing the salad’s taste. Paired with a spicy, creamy chipotle Caesar dressing, this version of a classic Caesar Salad is anything but boring.

Ingredients

• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 chipotle in adobo from can
• 1 ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
• 3 oz. cotija cheese or Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Tabasco
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus ¼ cup for brushing
• 1 bunch (about 2 cups) cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 loaf rustic bread, cut into thick slices
• 3 romaine hearts, quartered, core intact to hold leaves together
• 2 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and cut into ½-inch slices

Instructions

1. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a food processor or blender, add the garlic, chipotle, mustard, red wine vinegar, lime juice, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. Puree until smooth. Add the mayonnaise and continue pureeing until incorporated. Slowly add the olive oil while continuing to puree. Add the cilantro and pulse until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Romaine: Preheat your grill to direct high heat or until coals are white and ashy. Drizzle each romaine quarter with a few tablespoons of Caesar dressing, massaging it between the romaine leaves.

3. Grill the Bread: Lightly brush each side of the bread slices with olive oil. Grill the bread over direct heat until well toasted, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside.

4. Grill the Avocado: Season the avocado slices with salt and pepper. Grill them over direct heat until char marks appear, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Set aside.

5. Grill the Romaine: Grill the romaine quarters until lightly browned on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

6. Assemble the Salad: Transfer the grilled romaine to a plate and top with grilled avocado. Tear the grilled bread into bite-sized pieces and scatter atop the salad. Serve with additional dressing.

Makes 4 servings.

Male Fertility Benefits

Romaine lettuce is rich in folate, which plays an important role in male fertility, particularly in the production of healthy sperm. Additionally, the avocado in this recipe provides healthy fats, which are essential for hormone production, while cilantro may help detoxify the body, promoting overall reproductive health. The healthy fats in olive oil further support hormone balance.