Charred Romaine with Lemonparmesan Dressing

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Grill Your Greens!

Fancy something different tonight? Ever thought about grilling lettuce? Honestly, grilled romaine is a game changer. This recipe brings a smoky twist to your salad game. It's also super easy to make!

What is Grilled Romaine Anyway?

This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean flavors. It combines the slight bitterness of grilled lettuce with a bright lemon dressing.

Think of it as a lemon Caesar salad but with a fun, charred edge! The grilled romaine hearts Caesar salad is the perfect starter for a light dinner or alongside some grilled chicken.

This recipe is a doddle to make. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and grilling is done in 5. That’s only 15 minutes from start to finish! This recipe makes two servings.

Perfect for a quick dinner for two.

Benefits of Grilled Romaine

Romaine lettuce is packed with vitamins and minerals. Grilling it adds a delicious smoky flavor without sacrificing nutrition. It is a lighter take on a Classic Caesar, but a tasty and different Fresh Romaine Salad to enjoy.

Serve this charred salad recipe at your next BBQ. It's a great way to impress your mates with a healthy and delicious side.

Trust me, it is special!

Let's dive into the ingredients. Time for some easy grilling recipes ! Looking for some quick salad ideas ? It's going to become your new favourite Summer Salad Recipes !

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for the Best Grilled Romaine

Alright, so you wanna try grilled romaine ? Fantastic choice! It's simpler than you think, and honestly, it's a game changer for your summer salad recipes .

Trust me. Once you taste charred romaine , you'll never look at a regular salad the same way. We're making a Lemon Caesar Salad !

Main Ingredients: The Romaine's the Star

For the Romaine:

• You'll need 2 heads of romaine lettuce , halved lengthwise (around 400g / 14oz ).
• Grab 2 tablespoons of good olive oil ( 30ml ).
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

You want romaine that's crisp, with tightly packed leaves. Avoid anything wilted or slimy. The fresher, the better. I once bought a sad-looking head and the grilled lettuce salad was a total flop!

For that Lemon Parmesan Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ( 30ml ).
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ).
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese ( 5g / 0.2 oz ).
• 1 minced garlic clove.
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended!).
• Salt and pepper.

Parmesan makes or breaks this dressing, so go for the real deal. Pre-grated stuff just doesn't cut it. Seriously. My nonna always said, "Quality ingredients, quality dish!"

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (Or Keep It Simple)

This dressing is all about balance. The lemon brings the zing, the Parmesan adds the umami, and the garlic gives it a little kick. Don't skip the Dijon; it helps emulsify everything.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne in the dressing adds a lovely warmth. Also, experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. YUM!

Don't have Dijon? A touch of yellow mustard will do in a pinch. But honestly, Dijon is worth having around. For an easy grilling recipes , this dressing is the perfect partner.

Equipment You'll Need: Keep It Basic

• An outdoor grill or grill pan is essential.
• A small bowl for the dressing.
• A whisk, or even a fork, for mixing.
• Tongs for handling the romaine.

If you don't have a grill, a grill pan on your stovetop works great. Just get it screaming hot before you throw on the romaine. Got quick salad ideas ?

Honestly, you don't need fancy equipment. As long as you can generate some heat and mix ingredients, you're good to go! This charred salad recipe is all about simple techniques.

Alright, let's talk grilled romaine ! Honestly, who grills lettuce? You might ask. Trust me, this is a total game changer.

Prep Like a Pro for the Perfect Grill Marks

First, mise en place is crucial. Get everything ready. Wash and dry those romaine hearts! Remove any wilted outer leaves.

Cut the romaine in half, lengthwise. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Organization is key. Also, make sure your grill is clean.

A dirty grill is a sad grill, right? Safety first: use tongs!

How to Make Grilled Romaine Hearts Caesar

Okay, here's the magic:

1. Preheat your grill to medium high heat .
2. Place romaine cut-side down.
3. Grill for 2- 3 minutes until lightly charred. Rotate after 1 minute for those sweet grill marks.
4. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, mustard, and red pepper flakes (optional). Season to taste. This Lemon Caesar Salad dressing is chef's kiss .
5. Remove from grill and drizzle with dressing.

Visual cues are key. You want slight char, not mush. The ideal temperature is hot enough to sear quickly. Don’t overcook it!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Grilled Lettuce Salad

Honestly? The biggest mistake is not drying the romaine. Wet lettuce steams, not chars. A super hot grill makes all the difference.

Use the freshest romaine. This Fresh Romaine Salad will taste amazing.

Need a shortcut? You can make the dressing ahead of time. The charred salad recipe is ready in a flash.

Looking for Quick Salad Ideas ? This is the one! These Summer Salad Recipes are also sure to be a hit! Also, try using Smoked Romaine if you have a smoker.

It adds a fantastic flavor.

Enjoy these Easy Grilling Recipes ! Now go and grill some greens, you won't regret it! This Grilled Romaine Caesar is fantastic.

Alright, let's talk recipe notes for this awesome Charred Romaine with Lemon Parmesan Dressing . Honestly, these little tips and tricks will take your grilled romaine game from zero to hero!

Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Grilled Salad

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating

How you serve this salad matters! Think about it. Plating is key. To present like a pro, arrange the grilled romaine hearts caesar on a chilled plate.

Drizzle generously with the lemon parmesan dressing. Garnish with extra parmesan shavings. Trust me, it looks fancy but is super easy.

It's also amazing alongside grilled chicken or salmon. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect drink.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

This fresh romaine salad is best served immediately. The grilled lettuce salad tends to wilt if it sits too long, losing its lovely crunch.

Got leftovers? Store the grilled romaine separately from the dressing. Keep the charred salad recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.

Reheat the romaine? Nah, just enjoy it cold. The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations: Remix Your Romaine

Want to shake things up? Add some crispy crumbled bacon before serving! A pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing gives it a kick.

For a vegan version, use vegan parmesan and nutritional yeast. Need a substitute? Pecorino Romano is great. No lemons? Lime juice is your friend.

These easy quick salad ideas will blow your mind.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's be real: salads are good for you. This Lemon Caesar Salad is no exception. Packed with vitamins and fiber, it's a light yet satisfying meal.

Calories clock in around 250 per serving. Carbs are low. It's also a fab choice if you're watching your weight.

This recipe provides a simplified nutrition information to help you keep things on track. Also, the summer salad recipes are delicious and healthy, a perfect combination.

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. Get out there and try this easy grilling recipes for yourself! Even if you don't have a grill, you can totally use a grill pan.

I even tried using smoked romaine , which was so good that I had to add it to my recipe book! You'll nail it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really grill romaine lettuce? Seems a bit bonkers!

Absolutely! Grilling romaine is a game changer. The brief exposure to high heat gives it a delightful smoky flavor and a slightly wilted texture that's surprisingly delicious. Just think of it as a warm salad upgrade like a modern twist on a classic prawn cocktail, but way healthier!

How do I prevent my grilled romaine from getting soggy? No one wants a wet lettuce leaf!

The key is to make sure the romaine is completely dry before grilling. Any excess water will steam the lettuce instead of charring it, leading to sogginess. Also, don't overcook it! A quick sear just a couple of minutes per side is all you need for perfect grilled romaine.

What other ingredients can I add to this grilled romaine salad? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!

Go wild! Crispy crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that complements the grilled romaine perfectly. You could also toss in some grilled cherry tomatoes, red onion, or even some toasted pine nuts for added texture. If you are really looking for something crazy, why not top with haggis!

How do I make a vegan version of this grilled romaine recipe?

Easy peasy! Simply substitute the Parmesan cheese in the dressing with a vegan parmesan alternative or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Double check that your Dijon mustard is vegan as well. You'll have a plant based grilled romaine salad that's just as tasty as the original.

How long does grilled romaine last? Can I prep it ahead of time?

Grilled romaine is best enjoyed immediately, as it tends to wilt and lose its texture over time. It's really not a good idea to prep this too far in advance. You can, however, make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. But for the best results, grill the romaine just before serving.

Is grilled romaine healthy? I'm watching my waistline!

Absolutely! Romaine lettuce is packed with vitamins and minerals, and grilling it adds a smoky flavor without adding a ton of extra calories. Just be mindful of the dressing go easy on the oil and cheese, or use a lighter vinaigrette for a guilt free and delicious salad option.

Perhaps even cut the cheese out for a lighter option!