Grilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your greens. The slight char on the romaine adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with a bright, tangy lemon dressing. It’s a fresh and satisfying salad perfect for warm weather or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup lemon dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut the romaine head in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.
- Step 2: Place the romaine halves cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 1-2 minutes until slightly charred and wilted but still crisp.
- Step 3: Remove the grilled romaine from the grill and place on a serving plate.
- Step 4: Drizzle the lemon dressing evenly over the romaine, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for the best contrast of smoky, fresh, and crunchy flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Use a grill pan indoors if you don’t have an outdoor grill for year-round preparation.
- Swap out lemon dressing for a Caesar or balsamic vinaigrette for different flavor profiles.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed salad.
- For extra smokiness, sprinkle smoked paprika on the romaine before grilling.
Storage
This salad is best served fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep the grilled romaine and toppings separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the romaine briefly on a grill or grill pan before serving, and add fresh dressing and toppings.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
Romaine holds up well to grilling due to its firm leaves. While you can try grilling other lettuces, like iceberg or butter lettuce, they may become too soft or wilted quickly.
How do I make a simple lemon dressing at home?
A basic lemon dressing can be made by whisking together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or Dijon mustard for balance. Adjust ingredients to taste.
PrintGrilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
A fresh and flavorful Grilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing that combines smoky grilled romaine lettuce with crunchy croutons, tangy lemon dressing, and savory parmesan cheese for a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 heads of Romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 1 cup croutons
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Romaine: Rinse and halve the heads of romaine lettuce lengthwise, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.
- Grill the Romaine: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the romaine halves cut side down on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes until lightly charred and slightly wilted, then remove from heat.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and honey until well emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the grilled romaine on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the lemon dressing, then sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh, smoky salad side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp on top to make it a main course.
- Use homemade croutons or store-bought for convenience.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler to achieve the charred effect.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning in the dressing to taste.
Keywords: Grilled romaine salad, lemon dressing, grilled salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe
