Grilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing is a fresh and smoky twist on a classic favorite. Perfect as a light side or appetizer, this salad combines crisp lettuce with tangy lemon dressing and crunchy toppings for a delightful flavor contrast.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- ¼ cup lemon dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice the romaine lettuce 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 briefly for 2-3 minutes until you see light char marks but the lettuce remains crisp.
- Step 3: Remove the romaine from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with lemon dressing evenly over the grilled lettuce.
- Step 4: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and croutons on top to add savory and crunchy texture. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use a brush to lightly oil the cut side of the romaine before grilling to prevent sticking and enhance the char flavor.
- Substitute lemon dressing with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic for a homemade alternative.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a more substantial meal.
Storage
Grilled romaine salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep the components separately—store grilled romaine, dressing, and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the lettuce briefly on the grill before serving, then add cold dressing and toppings.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill the romaine in advance?
Grilled romaine is best served immediately for crisp texture and fresh flavor. You can grill it a little ahead but avoid storing it for long to prevent sogginess.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon dressing?
A simple dressing made with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper works well as a substitute, adding bright and tangy notes similar to lemon dressing.
PrintGrilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
This Grilled Romaine Salad with Lemon Dressing is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic salad. Lightly charred romaine lettuce adds a smoky depth to the crisp texture, while a zesty lemon dressing and crunchy croutons create the perfect balance of brightness and crunch. Topped with shaved Parmesan, this salad makes a delightful starter or side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
For the Lemon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Romaine: Slice the romaine heads lengthwise into halves, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.
- Grill the Romaine: Place the romaine halves cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 1-2 minutes until they have light char marks and are slightly softened, then flip and grill the other side for an additional minute. Remove from grill and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies and becomes creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the grilled romaine on a serving platter. Drizzle the lemon dressing generously over the lettuce halves.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons on top of the dressed romaine to add texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the romaine is still warm from the grill for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- To make homemade croutons, toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then toast in the oven until golden.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Keywords: Grilled Romaine Salad, Lemon Dressing, Grilled Salad, Easy Summer Salad, Healthy Salad
