If you’ve never tried salad on the grill, now’s the time! This recipe is the ultimate way to bring out bold flavor in leafy greens, giving them a smoky, crisp-tender texture that’s anything but boring. Try adding a hint of smoke and char to your romaine salad. It’s a welcome change from your typical salad and gets brightened with a vibrant lemon dressing, finished with Parmesan.

The Main Ingredients of Grilled Romaine Salad

• Romaine Lettuce: Be sure to grab romaine hearts and not a head of romaine. The hearts are more compact, which helps them grill up more nicely.
• Olive Oil: Use olive oil to brush onto the lettuce to help it caramelize and cook perfectly.
• Parmesan: I like using fresh parmesan that you grate yourself, as the storebought shreds typically have anti-caking agents that can alter the flavor.

How to make Grilled Romaine Salad

Ingredients

Grilled Romaine

• 2 romaine hearts
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, omit for vegan

Dressing

• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red/white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch each salt and pepper

Directions

Prep the romaine:

• Cut romaine hearts in half lengthwise.
• Brush all sides with olive oil.

Make the Dressing:

• Whisk together all Dressing ingredients and set aside.

Grill:

• Preheated grill to medium-high.
• Place romaine cut side down on the grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until charred in spots.
• Flip and cook for 1 more minute.

Assemble:

• Serve romaine hearts whole or chopped, topping with parmesan and dressing.

Optional Dressing Idea for Grilled Romaine Salad

Oil & Vinegar Dressing

Ingredients

• ¾ cup oil, like olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ cup acid, like vinegar or citrus juice
• 2-3 Tbsp emulsifier, like mustard, honey, mayo, or tahini
• Optional flavorings, like citrus zest, fresh or dried herbs, cracked black pepper, salt, garlic, or shallots

Directions

1. Add your oil, vinegar, and emulsifier of choice to a container, mason jar, or blender.
2. Flavor: Add seasonings like salt, pepper, citrus zest, or herbs.
3. Blend: Whisk, shake, or blend the dressing until emulsified and creamy. Serve over your favorite salads, roasted vegetables, and more.