Grilled Romaine Recipe

This Grilled Romaine Recipe with Feta is made with by grilling romaine lettuce and topping with Caesar dressing, croutons, and crumbled feta.

Cesar salad has always been a staple at my house. Every time I’m at a restaurant, I always tend to order it. The dressing and the crunch from the romaine and the croutons is phenomenal. It pairs perfectly with so many meals, like pasta and steak. By grilling the romaine lettuce, you get a nice smokey, charred taste and it complements the lettuce so much. I am a sucker for a tasty salad. This simple grilled romaine with feta is delicious and can be made in under 10 minutes. This salad pairs perfectly with any pasta dish, a whole roasted chicken or a Branzino fish dinner.

Jump to:

• Why do people grill romaine lettuce?
• Do you wash romaine before grilling?
• Grilled Romaine Recipe Ingredients
• Why grill Romaine Lettuce?
• How Long Should the Lettuce Be on the Grill?
• How to grill Romaine Lettuce
• How to serve Grilled Romaine Lettuce
• Substitutions
• Grilled Romaine Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Grilled Lettuce
• Grilled Romaine Recipe with Feta Top tips
• Grilled Romaine Lettuce Recipe
• Food safety

Why do people grill romaine lettuce?

Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in the romaine, adding a depth of flavor that is not present in raw lettuce. The smokiness from the grill can also enhance the overall taste of the salad. Grilling the romaine leaves the outer layers charred while the inner part remains crisp. This creates a pleasant textural contrast in each bite, combining the crunchiness of fresh lettuce with the smoky, tender charred edges. Lastly, grilling transforms a traditional cold salad into a warm or slightly warm dish, which can be particularly appealing in cooler weather or for those who prefer a heartier salad.

Do you wash romaine before grilling?

Yes, it's generally recommended to wash romaine lettuce before grilling, just as you would before using it in any other recipe. Washing helps remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides that may be present on the leaves. Gently separate the leaves of the romaine hearts, if they are still attached. This makes it easier to clean each leaf thoroughly. Rinse the romaine leaves under cold running water. Hold each leaf individually and allow the water to flow through, making sure to remove any dirt or residues.

Grilled Romaine Recipe Ingredients

• Romaine hearts
• Caesar dressing
• Olive oil
• Croutons
• Feta
• Salt and pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Why grill Romaine Lettuce?

Grilling romaine lettuce can add a unique and delicious flavor to your salad or dish. When grilled, the romaine becomes slightly charred and smoky, which can add depth to its flavor profile.

Grilling romaine lettuce is also a great way to elevate your salad presentation. The charred edges and wilted leaves give the lettuce a beautiful texture and a more complex flavor that can make your salad feel like a gourmet dish.

To grill romaine lettuce, you can brush it with some olive oil and season it with salt and pepper before placing it on a hot grill or grill pan. You can grill it for a few minutes on each side until it is slightly charred and tender. Once grilled, you can serve it as a side dish or use it as a base for your salad, adding toppings like croutons, cheese, and dressing.

How Long Should the Lettuce Be on the Grill?

The length of time to grill romaine lettuce can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the size of your romaine heads. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can grill romaine lettuce for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is slightly charred and wilted.

How to grill Romaine Lettuce

Hint: Grilled romaine lettuce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, so don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations.

How to serve Grilled Romaine Lettuce

Grilled romaine lettuce can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the dish you are making. Here are a few ideas:

• As a side dish: Grilled romaine lettuce can be served as a simple side dish, seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with a little olive oil. You can also add some lemon juice for a fresh and zesty flavor.
• In a salad: Grilled romaine lettuce can make a great base for a salad. Simply chop it up and add your favorite toppings, such as croutons, cheese, nuts, and dressing. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Topped with vegetables: Grilled romaine lettuce can be topped with grilled or roasted vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal. You can add some sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or tomatoes, along with some herbs and spices for extra flavor.
• With a dipping sauce: Grilled romaine lettuce can be served with a dipping sauce, such as a creamy Caesar dressing, hummus, or tzatziki. This can make a great appetizer or snack.

Substitutions

Lettuce: I think using romaine is the perfect lettuce for this dish. If you want, you could use iceberg lettuce, kale, or butter head.

Caesar Dressing: I love using Cesar dressing for this. You could use ranch, Italian dressing or thousand island dressing.

Feta: I love using feta cheese for this, it adds a ton of saltiness. You can also use queso fresco or fresh goat cheese.

Croutons: There are so many variations to this salad to add an extra crunch. You can use toasted nuts, baked chickpeas, and even crispy bacon.

Grilled Romaine Recipe Variations

Grilled romaine lettuce can be a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some grilled romaine recipe variations to try:

• Grilled Caesar salad: Grill the romaine halves as described in the previous answer, and then top with a homemade Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Grilled chicken and romaine salad: Grill chicken breasts alongside the romaine lettuce, and then chop them up and serve them over the grilled romaine with your favorite salad toppings.
• Grilled romaine tacos: Chop the grilled romaine into bite-sized pieces, and then serve it in taco shells with grilled or roasted vegetables, avocado, and a spicy salsa.
• Grilled romaine and shrimp skewers: Thread peeled and deveined shrimp onto skewers and grill them alongside the romaine halves. Serve with a side of lemon wedges and a creamy dipping sauce.
• Grilled romaine and feta salad: Grill the romaine halves, and then top them with crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
• Grilled romaine and bacon salad: Grill the romaine halves, and then top them with crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing.

Check out this Sazon Grilled Vegetables for another grilled vegetable dish.

Equipment

Grilling romaine lettuce is a simple and straightforward process that doesn't require a lot of equipment. Here's what you'll need:

• Grill or grill pan: You'll need a grill to cook the romaine lettuce. You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan on your stovetop.
• Tongs: You'll need tongs to flip the romaine halves over as they cook.
• Brush: You can use a brush to coat the romaine halves with olive oil before grilling. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill grates.
• Knife: You'll need a knife to cut the romaine heads in half lengthwise before grilling.

How to store Grilled Lettuce

Grilled romaine lettuce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but it's important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture.

• Let it cool: Before storing the grilled romaine lettuce, make sure it has cooled to room temperature. This will help prevent moisture from building up in the storage container and causing the lettuce to become soggy.
• Store in an airtight container: Transfer the grilled romaine lettuce to an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container with a lid. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
• Add a paper towel: To help absorb any excess moisture, you can add a dry paper towel to the container. This will help keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
• Keep refrigerated: Store the container of grilled romaine lettuce in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing lettuce is between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C), so make sure your refrigerator is set to the right temperature.
• Serve cold: When you're ready to eat the grilled romaine lettuce, serve it cold straight from the refrigerator. You can add your favorite toppings or dressing just before serving.

Grilled Romaine Recipe with Feta Top tips

Grilling romaine lettuce is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this leafy green vegetable. Here are some top tips for grilling romaine lettuce to help you achieve the best results:

• Use fresh romaine lettuce: Start with fresh, crisp romaine lettuce. Make sure the leaves are not wilted or browned.
• Cut the lettuce in half lengthwise: Slice the romaine lettuce heads in half lengthwise to create two flat surfaces. This will make it easier to grill and will help prevent the lettuce from falling apart on the grill.
• Brush with olive oil: Brush the cut sides of the romaine lettuce halves with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill grates and to add flavor.
• Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle the romaine lettuce halves with salt and pepper or other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or herbs.
• Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
• Grill the romaine lettuce: Place the romaine lettuce halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and wilted.
• Don't overcook: Be careful not to overcook the romaine lettuce, as it can become mushy and lose its flavor. Aim for a lightly charred exterior and a slightly wilted interior.
• Serve immediately: Remove the grilled romaine lettuce from the grill and serve immediately. You can top it with your favorite salad dressings, croutons, or other toppings.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.