Grilled Romaine with Creamy Caesar Dressing
The beauty of this grilled romaine salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Despite being easy to prepare, it packs a powerful flavor punch that will impress even the most discerning palates. The smoky aroma and taste of the grilled lettuce are a game-changer, turning a humble salad into a culinary masterpiece.
So why wait? Dive into the exciting world of grilled salads today with this fantastic grilled romaine recipe. Not only will it add a new dimension to your meals, but it also provides a fun and delicious way to get your daily dose of greens. Get ready to amaze your guests at your next gathering with this unique and flavorful dish!
INGREDIENTS OF GRILLED ROMAINE
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3/4 c. mayonnaise
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp. honey mustard
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1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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kosher salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 large head romaine lettuce, quartered
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2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
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4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
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3/4 c. grape tomatoes, halved
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED ROMAINE
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To make creamy Caesar dressing, whisk together mayo, garlic, honey mustard, Worcestershire and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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For this recipe, you will need a grill pan placed over medium-high heat. liberally brush the romaine wedges with olive oil and place on the grill. Grill until they are charred and slightly wilted; this should take two to three minutes per side.
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Serve a heaping plate of deliciousness by transferring your romaine to a platter, and adding on perfectly crispy bacon with juicy tomatoes.
TIPS FOR GRILLING ROMAINE
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Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is properly heated before you start. A medium-high heat is ideal for grilling romaine lettuce.
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Oil the Lettuce: Lightly brush the romaine lettuce with olive oil. This will prevent it from sticking to the grill and add a nice flavor.
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Season Well: Don't forget to season the lettuce with salt and pepper before grilling. This will enhance the natural flavors of the lettuce.
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Watch the Time: Romaine lettuce doesn't take long to grill. Typically, it only needs 2-3 minutes per side. You're looking for char marks and a slight wilting of the leaves.
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Cut Correctly: Cut the romaine hearts in half lengthwise. This keeps the leaves connected at the base, making them easier to flip on the grill.
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Dressing After Grilling: Apply your Caesar dressing after grilling. The heat can cause the dressing to separate if applied before.
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Serve Immediately: Grilled romaine is best served immediately after grilling while it's warm and the edges are slightly crispy.
Grilling romaine lettuce introduces a unique flavor profile to the salad. The heat from the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the lettuce, giving it a sweet, smoky flavor that is both delicious and unexpected. It also adds a nice texture contrast, with the outer leaves becoming slightly charred and crispy while the inner leaves remain tender and crisp. This technique elevates a simple salad to a gourmet dish, adding complexity and depth of flavor.
What are some toppings that I can put on grilled romaine?
Grilled romaine can be topped with a variety of ingredients to enhance its flavor. Here are some suggestions:
- Cheese: Crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan cheese can add a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs well with the smoky grilled lettuce.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toasted walnuts, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruits: Diced tomatoes, sliced strawberries, or dried cranberries can provide a sweet contrast to the smoky lettuce.
- Proteins: Grilled chicken, bacon bits, or boiled eggs can make the salad more hearty and satisfying.
- Dressings: Caesar dressing is classic, but you could also try balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or a lemony tahini dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Cucumbers, bell peppers, or roasted corn can add freshness and a pop of color.
- Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons can add a lovely textural contrast to the tender grilled lettuce.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley can add a burst of fresh flavor to your salad.
Side dishes best paired with grilled romaine
Grilled romaine has a unique, slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Based on the search results, here are some of the best side dishes to pair with grilled romaine:
- Spicy Baked Crab: The spiciness and rich flavors of this seafood dish can provide a nice contrast to the smoky, crisp romaine.
- Fruit Salad Skewers: This light and refreshing side dish can balance out the smokiness of the grilled romaine.
- Almond Egg Salad: An egg salad with crunchy almonds can add a creamy and nutty element to the meal.
- Grilled Chicken with South Carolina Barbecue Sauce or Grilled Salmon with Dill Butter: These grilled proteins, with their respective sauces, pair well with the smoky flavor of the grilled romaine.
- Grilled Vegetables: Continuing the grilling theme, vegetables like asparagus, tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchini, or squash would all make great additions.
- Grilled Romaine Salads with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Ranch: This hearty salad is loaded with juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing, which complements the grilled romaine nicely.
Remember, the best pairings will depend on your personal taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find what you like best!
Outdoor Kitchen Outlet
At Outdoor Kitchen Outlet, we have the perfect grill to make your grilled romaine salad really stand out! Our grills are designed for even heating and will give you perfectly cooked vegetables every time. Enjoy a crisp outer layer with a smoky flavor that complements the creamy center of your romaine lettuce. Visit our website or call us at (888) 667-4986! Shop at Outdoor Kitchen Outlet today!