Get a deliciously smoky char on your salad with grilled romaine!
Grilled romaine. Oh my goodness. Maybe lettuce is the last thing you think about when you fire up the grill, but once you’ve had a grilled romaine salad, it just might become the first thing!
The first time I grilled lettuce, I definitely did not mean to. We were having burgers, and I brought out a platter of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to put on the table. I stopped by the grill to see how the burgers were coming along and, somehow, a piece of romaine slid off and landed on the grate. Not being one to waste food, I left it on and hoped for the best. I could not believe how good it was!
Coincidentally enough, a few weeks later, we were at a restaurant that served a grilled romaine salad topped with Parmesan, so, of course, I had to try it. It was really good, and I decided I needed to recreate it at home. This recipe brings the most marvelous charred flavor—almost a caramelization—on the outer leaves that creates such a wonderful contrast to the fresh, crispy interior.
You know how when you’re grilling, time is of the essence? You want everything to be done at the same time so you can eat it all while it’s hot. Grilled romaine salad is so simple to make and takes so little time (just a few minutes on the grill and then however long it takes you to squeeze a lemon and sprinkle grated cheese) that it really is the perfect salad for summertime barbecues.
So go ahead and impress your friends next time you have everyone over for a cookout by turning your heads of romaine into this grilled delight. Hey, you can even turn it into a Caesar salad! Or, crumble some chopped Hard-Boiled Eggs over the top and then add some croutons. For truly delicious ones, toss some cubes of rich Challah into olive oil and bake in the oven until golden brown. The contrast of flavors and textures is pure culinary artistry!
Romaine: The Healthiest Lettuce
If you Google, “What is the healthiest lettuce?”, romaine is going to come up time and again because it is the most nutrient-dense. Here are some of the powerful health benefits contained in this deliciously crunchy lettuce (and some of them may surprise you!).
This leafy green is a good source of protein and calcium, which will make vegetarians and vegans rejoice. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids (the anti-inflammatory we normally get from oily fish). In terms of vitamins, you can expect to get vitamins A, C and K, while for minerals, this lettuce contains magnesium, potassium and iron. Finally, romaine also contains about 20 ounces of water in one head, so it helps keep you hydrated (that one surprised me!).
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Grilled romaine is one of those dishes you pretty much have to eat as soon as you’ve made it. The grilled lettuce won’t hold up very well in the fridge.
Will Other Kinds Of Lettuce Work On The Grill?
Yes, some will work beautifully on the grill. Mostly, you’d want to choose lettuces that have a pretty sturdy texture. You can slice heads of butter lettuce in half, and they will work very well with this recipe. Iceberg also works (if quartered rather than halved), and you’ll love what grilling it does for this Wedge Salad.
Should I Wash The Romaine Before Grilling It?
Yes, you should always wash any kind of lettuce before consumption. For this recipe, place the romaine halves in a bowl of cold water and shake them around. Rinse and then pat them dry with paper towels, trying your best to get in between the leaves without loosening them.
Serving Suggestions
You know I love a themed meal, so it will come as no surprise that I serve grilled romaine salad with Grilled Barbecue Chicken, Grilled Corn Salad With Fresh Herbs, Grilled Green Beans, and these Garlic Rolls that I split in half and toast up on the grill! But the wonderful textures and flavors of this salad also pair beautifully with Italian dishes, like Lasagna or Cheesy Baked Ziti with a side of Sausage Meatballs.
You’re going to find so many other ways to use it. Once grilled, slice it and put it in a wrap with slices of Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets. Or make it the co-star of a five-star meal by crowning it with this perfectly cooked Pistachio-Crusted Salmon. You’ll also love this incredible southern-inspired BLT: Toast some thick slices of Honey Wheat Sunflower Bread, slather each slice with Pimento Cheese, pile on a layer of sliced grilled romaine, add a generous amount of Grilled Bacon, and then top with Fried Green Tomatoes! You’re welcome.
Grilled Romaine Salad
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce halved lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the cut sides of the romaine lettuce halves with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the romaine halves cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes, or until char marks appear, and the lettuce is slightly wilted.
- Remove the lettuce from the grill and immediately drizzle with lemon juice.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the warm lettuce before serving.
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