Have you ever grilled romaine lettuce? I hadn’t until about a month ago; the thought had never even crossed my mind. I saw the idea on an episode of Mad Hungry and was immediately intrigued. The recipe that was made on the show was for a grilled Caesar salad, which I wound up making a few weeks later and absolutely loved – highly recommended. (It never made the blog, mainly because I’ve found it nearly impossible to photograph a head of romaine lettuce in a pleasing way. I’m sure it’s possible, but the skill eludes me…) Anyway, when my issue of Food Network magazine arrived this month I was pretty psyched to see another grilled romaine recipe highlighted. Even better, it featured three of my favorite things – bacon, red onion and balsamic vinegar. It’s quick, simple and really delicious! As I mentioned the other day, I’m not a blue cheese fan, so I subbed goat cheese but use whatever works for you.
With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, and the unofficial start of grilling season as well, I think this salad would be a welcome and unique addition to any cookout. I don’t see any reason you couldn’t prep the onions and bacon ahead of time then just throw the lettuce on the grill along with the burger, dogs or whatever else is on your menu.
Grilled Romaine with Blue Cheese-Bacon Vinaigrette
adapted from Food Network Magazine, June 2011
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 heads romaine lettuce, cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (I used goat cheese instead)
Preheat grill to medium-high (you could also use an indoor grill pan).
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Add the onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. Remove to the plate along with the bacon. Add the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the skillet and cook to reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
Brush the lettuce with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grill cut-side down for about 2 minutes, or until grill marks are visible or the lettuce is slightly charred.
Place the lettuce cut-side up on a large plate (or platter). Drizzle with the reduced balsamic vinegar then sprinkle with the cheese, bacon and onion, and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper.
I feel like this could be great with some pine nuts (not that I don’t think it sounds great already). But I may just be on a pine nut kick these days.
Mmm! Looks delicious! I grilled romaine a few weeks ago and then made up a warm Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. Added a few walnuts, goat cheese and fresh strawberries…it was amazing!
I’ve never tried to grilled romaine lettuce, not sure why. Your recipe sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
looking great!!!
DeepthiDigvijay
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I really enjoy grilling romaine. Have not done it in a while. Thanks for the reminder.
I was grilling some corn last night and thought, “I should try grilled romaine. It always sounds so good.” but I chickened out because I wasn’t quite sure how to do it and envisioned myself holding a flaming romaine ball at the end of my grilling tongs. If we get another head of romaine in our CSA basket this week, I think I’m finally going to try this! Thanks for your bravery. 🙂
I’m so into blue cheese right now and grilled romaine sounds fantastic! I think I’m going to have to give this one a go this weekend!
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
i have a whole garden full of romaine and this will be a great way to use it! thanks for the reminder. 🙂
This looks awesome! I’ve grilled plenty of vegetables but never considered grilling romaine. I can’t wait to try this one!
I’ve never had grilled romaine but I can see why it would be tasty.
I am another who has never grilled romaine on the bbq. Come to think of it I’ve really only done meat or corn. I really need to broaden my horizons and this looks like an excellent place to start. I’d love to see your Caesar version too, even if it doesn’t photograph well as I am sure it is delicious too.
I have never grilled lettuce, but we have been on a vegetable grilling kick lately. I can’t get enough of them. Will have to keep this in mind to try!
Funny you should post this….I had never heard of grilled romaine until I just had it last night. It was amazing!! A good friend had a few of us girls over for a grilled romaine chopped ceasar salad with sun dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, homemade polenta squares & a ceasar dressing. It was so good.
She also served tomato basil soup and topped the salad with a baked breaded chicken breast. Dessert was a lemon creme brulee topped with raspberries. Oh soooo good.
I’ve been thinking I’d blog about it. She pampered us so!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen
Such a unique salad! I love the grilled romaine idea!
This is my first time posting a second comment on a single recipe. I had to come back and look at this grilled romaine again. I’m making it tonight.
@StephenC – Hope you enjoy!
I would not taste anything that contains blue cheese- I really detest it. However I thing it’s a good idea if you put another cheese instead. I see many others have already done that so I’m gonna give it a tray.
I’ve been wanting to try grilled romaine for a while… This looks great! I have recently started to love blue cheese, so this sounds like the perfect recipe to try!
I first saw Giada do grilled lettuce and have always thought I should try it, Salad Queen that I am and all. You make it look easy and delicious.