If you’ve never grilled lettuce, I don’t blame you. A few years ago I too thought, “lettuce is so delicate, won’t it just burst into flames? I mean, I’ve proven how good I am at burning marshmallows.”
But I gave it a whirl anyways after hearing Bobby Flay say it was the simplest way to feel like a grill master. And he was right.
Because without an ounce of effort it turned lettuce into something so different, and so good.
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:
- 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.
- Make sure your grates are clean, and brush them with a little oil.
- 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.
- 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.
If you make this Italian Grilled Romaine Salad, be sure to tag me on Instagram with hashtag #heartbeetkitchen, or @heartbeetkitchen!
How to Grill Lettuce + Simple Grilled Romaine Salad Recipe {video}
Learn how to grill lettuce and make a simple romaine salad recipe with it!
Ingredients
- 2 heads of fresh and firm romaine lettuce, cut vertically (you will have 4 halves)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt, divided
- black pepper
- one medium lemon, cut in half
- fresh parmesan cheese
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 some 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 one or 2 more minutes.
- Remove from grill. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper, drizzle with remaining olive oil. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each half. Top with a tablespoon of parmesan on each halve.
That looks so delicious I can’t wait to try it out!
ya, fire up that grill!
I love the thought of grilled lettuce, so unique! Can’t wait to try it myself!
such a simple way to change an ingredient we use so often. hope you enjoy! xo
I absolutely LOVE grilling lettuce! And with lettuces (like Bibb ad Boston) that are too delicate for the grill, I saute them with olive oil and sea salt on the stove – especially good to do when things are getting a little wilted. Thanks for the delicious reminder – love how you have added lemon to the mix!
Grilled lettuce is AMAZING – I think you’ve hit it spot on – it transforms it into an entirely new vegetable. I love your video (especially your hat shot!) – your simple grilled lettuce is the prettiest ever.
I love this idea. So simple and delicious. I have grilled romaine for Caesar salad but now I’m going to just forget the Caesar dressing and do it this way.
Grilled radicchio is also delicious.
Loving your Instagram feed!!
oh, thank you for suggesting the grilled radicchio! i can’t wait to try that. xo
Do you wash and dry the lettuce first?
Yes, I do rinse it lightly!
DELICIOUS! Do you recommend serving the lettuce right off the grill? Or can you grill ahead of time and serve it room temp/cold?
Hi Nicole!
It’s good both hot right off the grill, or room temp! I like it both ways, and have made it ahead before.
Delicious! I tried it with toasted sesame oil instead of olive oil and it was out of this world.
the sesame oil is genius! totally going to try that.
This is fantastic! just don’t leave on the grill too long it will get a weird texture… Love the flavor.
It’s amazing how much grilling adds flavor. PS love your new header- very nice! It changed right- or am I imagining it… LOL
you are correct! :) thank you for noticing.
Really easy and an honestly great recipe. I used store bought caesar dressing, but will use your recipe next time! The grilled flavor with the flavor of the beans was spot on. Will be making again this week!
oh, sounds so good with caesar dressing! glad you liked the recipe.
That looks so great. Easy to make it. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow!
If you like a little heat, I recommend using chili oil in place of the olive oil.
Do you close the lid of the grill while cooking or leave it open?
lid stays open while cooking!