How to Grill Lettuce + Simple Italian Grilled Romaine Salad

Lettuce might not be top of mind when it comes to grilling. I get it! A few years ago I too thought, “lettuce is so delicate, I just don’t think that will work.

But after trying it, I understand why I was seeing it on restaurants everywhere. Because grilled romaine lettuce is amazing, and incredibly easy.

Without an ounce of effort, it turns lettuce into something so different, delicious. Hot and crisp, with browned ruffled edges. Tender on the inside, yet still some crunch to give.

A drizzle of good olive oil, a splash of bright lemon, and a dusting of fresh parmesan cheese. It’s the absolute perfect side to this juicy Ribeye steak recipe!

This grilled lettuce technique is pretty much foolproof, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Most important: slice the head of lettuce VERTICALLY, think lengthwise. This keeps the leaves connected to the core, thus your leaves staying together, nice and firm.
2. Make sure your grates are clean, and brush them with a little oil.
3. Turn that grill up to medium high, no need to be shy. This will give the lettuce those beautiful sear marks and infuse a smokiness.
4. Don’t forget the fresh lemon juice. This is key to making the natural flavors of the lettuce sing, and brightens the entire dish.

You can watch this Grilled Lettuce video to help guide you in making it as well!

This might just be the technique that turns your salad naysayers into believers. When I was filming this video with my talented friend Wale, him hustling with the camera while I brushed, grilled, and ate, the least I could do was offer him was the of result of our work. I offered, and he hesitated…. “I’ll try it, but I don’t like lettuce.”

He took one bite, sat silent, and then… “Okay, I guess I like lettuce”. Three days later he texted me a picture of grilled lettuce, the starter to the dinner he had made for his girl. I’ll take that as a win. Hope you enjoy it just as much, xo.

More Grilling Recipes:

• Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops with Garlic Butter
• Grilled Shrimp, Pineapple, and Avocado Kabobs
• No-Fuss Rotisserie Chicken on the Grill

How to Grill Lettuce + Simple Grilled Romaine Salad Recipe

Learn how to grill lettuce, an amazing way to transform romaine lettuce into something delicious! Grilling lettuce is simple and infuses it with smokiness and great flavor. You can top the salad with lemon and parmesan, or blue cheese and bacon!

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Prep Time :5 minutes

Cook Time :5 minutes

Total Time :10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

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Ingredients

• 2 heads of fresh and firm romaine lettuce cut vertically (you will have 4 halves)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 2 ounces fresh parmesan cheese, grated

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Equipment

• Stainless Steel Tongs

Instructions 

• Make sure grates of grill are clean and turn to medium high.
• Brush lettuce halves liberally with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, cut side and back side. Then sprinkle each halve with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
• Grill for 3 minutes, cut side down, pressing with your tongs to make sure the lettuce gets a good sear. Flip and grill for 2 more minutes.
• Remove from grill. Sprinkle with a touch more salt and 4 grinds of fresh black pepper for each half, drizzle with remaining olive oil. Then squeeze fresh lemon juice over each half.
• Use a grater to shave LOTS of fresh parmesan on each halve. Or, another great way to serve it is by crumbling blue cheese and bacon over the top. I also like to chop the grilled romaine heads up, then toss with homemade ranch dressing and sourdough croutons. If you'd like to make it vegan, my 5-Minute Vegan Salad Dressing is so good it's drinkable, and would be an excellent way to finish the grilled lettuce.