May 15, 2026
Grilled Broccoli Caesar
This Grilled Broccoli Caesar isn’t your average Caesar salad! The smoky char of grilled broccoli pairs perfectly with creamy dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and savory tofu bacon. Even better, it’s just as delicious served warm off the grill as it is chilled straight from the fridge!
Table of Contents
why you’ll love this recipe jump to recipe video step-by-step instructions tips and faqsGrilled Broccoli Caesar
If you know me, then you know I LOVE all things Caesar salad-related. And in the summer, I love grilling just as much! This summer, we’ve been obsessed with grilled broccoli, so obviously, I had to combine my love for the two. Tender-crisp broccolini is charred to perfection, then layered with creamy Caesar dressing, savory tofu bacon, and bright lemony breadcrumbs. The broccoli holds up like a champ under all the dressing and toppings, and you can serve it warm for cozy dinner vibes or cold (my fave in the summer!) for backyard BBQs and summer get-togethers! This one is always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Broccoli Caesar
✔ Caesar salads are all the rage! From pasta salads to pizza, everyone’s loving that creamy, tangy flavor and crunchy textures, and this grilled broccolini Caesar hits all the notes!
✔ Great hot or cold: versatile for meal prep, BBQs, or last-minute dinners!
✔ A fun twist on a classic: takes traditional Caesar flavors and transforms them with smoky grilled broccoli and crispy tofu bacon.
✔ Broccoli makes a great base for salads: holds up better than lettuce under creamy dressing and toppings, so no soggy salads here!
✔ Simple to make but impressive to serve: perfect for entertaining or treating yourself on a busy weeknight.
How to Make Grilled Broccoli Caesar
1. Make the Tofu Bacon:
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, liquid smoke (if using), and black pepper. Add crumbled tofu and marinate for 10 minutes. Place the tofu in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy. Set aside.
2. Prep and Grill the Broccoli:
Preheat your grill to medium-high (375 to 400°F). Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Once preheated, place broccolini directly on the grill. Cook 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until slightly charred yet still bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Assemble:
Arrange the grilled broccoli on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing. Top with tofu bacon, lemony breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. (Note: you can serve immediately off the grill warm or chill the broccoli in the fridge for a couple hours to serve chilled).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Add grilled lemon slices for garnish and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- Don’t skip the marinating time for the tofu bacon: it helps the flavors soak in and really adds to the overall dish!
- Use super firm tofu for best texture: if you only have extra firm tofu, press it for at least 20 minutes.
- Don’t overcook: broccolini should still have a crisp bite; overcooking will make it mushy and dull in color.
- For an extra smoky touch, grill the lemon slices: and squeeze them over the salad just before serving.
- Serve warm or cold: it’s delicious right off the grill or chilled for summer get-togethers and BBQs.
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes! You can roast the broccoli at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For more detailed instructions, please see the notes in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
This grilled broccoli caesar is great for meal prep, because each of the components holds up well for a few days at a time. For best storage, keep the components separate. Store broccoli, dressing, and tofu bacon in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The breadcrumbs can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Can I make the tofu bacon in the oven instead of the air-fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Fire Up Your Grill for This Broccoli Caesar ASAP!
Smoky, charred broccoli, savory tofu bacon, and creamy Caesar dressing — this recipe proves that salads don’t have to be boring! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just want a fresh, flavorful side, this dish will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
If you give this Grilled Broccoli Caesar a try and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigs and #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes! xx!
Grilled Broccoli Caesar
Ingredients
Tofu Bacon:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke optional, for extra smokiness
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 oz (228g) super firm tofu, crumbled into small pieces
Grilled Broccoli Caesar:
- 2-3 large bunches of broccoli (about 1.5 LBS / 680 g), trimmed and ends sliced off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegan-friendly Caesar dressing homemade or store-bought
- Tofu bacon
- ½ cup lemony breadcrumbs
- ½ cup vegan parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- Grilled lemon slices for serving, optional
Instructions
- To make the tofu bacon, place the soy sauce, maple syrup, oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, liquid smoke and pepper in a large bowl, whisking to combine.
- Toss in the crumbled tofu and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Place the crumbed tofu in an even layer in your air-fryer basket.
- Air-fry at 375°F until golden and crispy, shaking halfway through, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium high (375°F – 400°F) heat.
- Toss the broccoli with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the edges are slightly charred but the broccolini is still bright green and tender crisp. (Note: you can serve immediately off the grill warm or chill the broccoli in the fridge for a couple hours to serve chilled).
- To serve, arrange the broccoli on a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing.
- Top with the tofu bacon, lemony breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese.
- Serve with grilled lemon slices and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in an even layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches).
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender with lightly browned edges.
Oven Roasting Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden at the edges.
10/10!! This was seriously delicious. I baked the tofu & broccoli in the oven. Those breadcrumbs are to die for.
Hi Miriam! Seriously delicious is exactly what I was hoping for! I always the double or triple the breadcrumbs recipe because we put them on everything! So glad you loved it!
Looks bomb but how do you make the lemony bread crumbs?
Hi Lavena,
The recipe for the breadcrumbs is also on my blog, just click the orang link under then ingredients section and it swill take you to the recipe 🙂