Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad with Anchovy Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing twist on Caesar salad featuring tender grilled asparagus spears, crunchy croutons, and a savory anchovy dressing made from scratch. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes blends pound, trimmed asparagus spears, tablespoons olive oil, head, chopped romaine lettuce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high. Toss 1 pound trimmed asparagus spears with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt, then grill for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 sliced bread cubes and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp to make croutons. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 minced garlic clove, 4 anchovy fillets, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, toss 1 chopped head romaine lettuce with the anchovy dressing and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Chop grilled asparagus into 2-inch pieces and gently fold into the salad along with toasted croutons. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad with Anchovy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad with Anchovy Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad with Anchovy Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad with Anchovy Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad with Anchovy Dressing?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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