Nothing says summer like crispy grilled romaine drizzled with creamy apple cider vinaigrette and blue cheese crumbles. This healthy, low-carb recipe is a cinch to make for a backyard summer party or as an everyday appetizer.
Grilled romaine salad is a classic, quick barbecue dish that works well as a side dish or an appetizer.
When we’re having a barbecue (which is at least every weekend in summer), I love being able to grill the meat and the vegetables. It feels efficient somehow.
Apart from grilling romaine hearts (also know as baby Cos lettuce), my other favorites are zucchini, asparagus and bell peppers.
Grilling lettuce really takes it to the next level and if you’re in the “lettuce is boring” camp then you really need to start making grilled romaine salad.
Grilling romaine gives it that lovely charred appearance and once you add the shallots, apple cider vinaigrette, and blue cheese crumbles, you will know what I’m talking about.
If your kids are reluctant to eat lettuce (like mine), this is a completely different and more flavorsome way to serve it. Even if you skip the shallots and dressing, the grilled lettuce on its own is worthy of devouring.
To accompany your grilled romaine hearts with apple cider dressing, try these family favorites:
- Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
- Simple Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Grilled Caprese Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Grilled Salmon Kabobs
How to make grilled romaine salad
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°c). This is a medium-high heat.
- Rinse and dry the romaine hearts taking care not to break the leaves apart. [image 1]
- Trim a sliver from the end of the stem and an inch or so off the top of the leaves [image 2]
- Brush the romaine with olive oil to lightly coat the outer leaves [image 3]
- Place on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes until each side is charred, turning every couple of minutes [image 4]
Steps by step guide to grilling romaine hearts - While the lettuce is grilling or earlier if time permits, make the apple cider vinaigrette. Whisk the remaining olive oil (1/4 cup) with mayo, mustard, and vinegar. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. [image 5]
- Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat and saute the shallots for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally and cook until they are brown and slightly crispy. [image 6]
- Slice the grape tomatoes in half [image 7]
- Serve charred romaine topped with blue cheese crumbles, sliced tomatoes, crispy shallots and a generous serving of apple cider dressing [image 8]
Cooking Tips & Tricks for Grilled Romaine Salad
- Ensure lettuce is dry before placing on the grill to avoid hot water being spattered back at you
- The grilled romaine salad would also be delicious served with chopped fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice
- If preferred, lettuce can be served fresh instead of grilled
- The apple cider vinaigrette dressing could also be served over an iceberg lettuce wedge
- If you cannot find romaine lettuce hearts (the center leaves), you can use a whole head of romaine lettuce or cos lettuce (see image below). Slice the lettuce down the center lengthways into halves. Then brush the cut side with olive oil and place directly on the grill. Grill the cut side until the leaves are slightly wilted – about 5 minutes. To learn more about this technique visit allrecipes.com.
- Feel free to omit the shallots if short on time
- Grilled romaine is best eaten fresh and is not suitable for freezing
WHAT IS A HEART OF ROMAINE LETTUCE?
A romaine heart is the center leaves of the romaine lettuce. These inner leaves have a different, crispy texture to the outer soft green leaves. The inner hearts are also a contrasting pale green, yellow color.
Romaine hearts are commonly used to make caesar salad.
ARE COS AND ROMAINE LETTUCE THE SAME?
Yes – romaine lettuce and cos lettuce are the same. This lettuce has a long, leafy shape and the leaves have a firm spine down the center. They are one of the few lettuces that can be successfully cooked.
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Grilled Romaine
Ingredients
- 4 hearts of romaine lettuce (baby cos lettuce)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup sliced grape tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 400 degrees F (200 c)
- Wash and dry romaine while leaving intact
- Trim off a sliver from the end of the stem and then an inch or so at the top of the leaves
- Brush with olive oil to thinly coat outside leaves
- Place on grill and turn every couple of minutes until each side charred (about 6-8 minutes total)
- Whisk remaining 1/4 cup olive oil with mayo, mustard and vinegar then add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste
- Heat butter in small skillet and add shallots
- Let sauté, stirring occasionally, until shallots are brown and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes
- Serve romaine hearts topped with blue cheese crumbles, sliced tomatoes, crispy shallot and dressing
Notes
- Ensure lettuce is dry before placing on the grill to avoid hot water being spattered back at you
- This salad would also be delicious served with chopped fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice
- If preferred, lettuce can be served fresh instead of grilled
- The apple cider vinaigrette dressing could also be served over an iceberg lettuce wedge
- If you cannot find romaine lettuce hearts (the center leaves), you can use a large romaine lettuce or cos lettuce. Slice the lettuce down the center lengthways into halves. Then brush the cut side with olive oil and place directly on the grill. Grill the cut side until the leaves are slightly wilted - about 5 minutes.
- Grilled romaine is best eaten fresh and is not suitable for freezing
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
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What a delicious Summer recipe! I’m a vegetarian so I’m always on the lookout for new veg recipes!
You must try this – you’ll absolutely love it!
Beautiful photos! And what a great use for all the homegrown lettuce in the garden. thanks!
Yes – if you grow romaine or cos lettuce in your garden, this recipe is so easy and the perfect way to create different flavors when you’re getting bored of salads. We love it.
This looks like the perfect dish for this hot summer. Thanks for sharing !
Grilled romaine is a real summer classic. Enjoy!
Oh my word! I have never had grilled romaine, believe it not! Romaine is my favorite lettuce and I am totally giving this a try for our next bbq! Thanks for the inspiration!
You will love it 🙂