If you haven’t tried grilled romaine salad yet, this version is a must. Grilling romaine brings out a subtle smoky sweetness and adds a satisfying texture that holds up far better than softer lettuces. It’s an ideal choice for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any meal where you want something fresh with a warm charred note.
Easy Grilled Romaine Salad Recipe
This salad is versatile and simple. Romaine’s sturdy leaves make it perfect for the grill — just brush with oil, char slightly, and top with a bright dressing and cheese. Add grilled chicken to turn it into a hearty grilled romaine chicken Caesar, or chop the romaine and toss everything together for a chopped grilled romaine salad. It’s easy to customize with whatever cheese, herbs, or extra grilled vegetables you have on hand.
Video: Recipe for Grilled Romaine Salad
Our test kitchen and tasters were surprised by how much they enjoyed a warm lettuce salad. The smoky char and bright dressing make an unexpectedly delicious combination. Add this grilled romaine salad to your summer menu — it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and easy to adapt to personal tastes.
Grilled Romaine Salad
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Ingredients
- 2 medium heads romaine lettuce, cut lengthwise into wedges
- olive oil, for brushing the romaine
- 1/2 cup crumbled or grated cheese (choose your favorite)
- lemon wedges, for serving and squeezing over salad
For The Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil for the dressing
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Make the dressing: Whisk together garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, balsamic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
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Heat the grill to medium-high (adjust for your grill’s intensity). Scrape and clean grates so food won’t stick.
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Lightly coat the romaine wedges with oil. Grill until they’re slightly charred and just tender, turning as needed for even marks.
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Allow the grilled romaine to cool slightly. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle with dressing, and sprinkle with cheese. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Best BBQs & Tools:
A few reliable tools make grilling easier and more enjoyable. Consider investing in quality tongs, a grill basket for small items, and a bright BBQ light so you can keep cooking after sunset.
Avoid large multi-piece BBQ tool sets; they often include items you don’t use or tools that perform poorly. Buy the individual tools you need — a long pair of tongs is indispensable for safe, precise grilling.
Grill trays and baskets keep smaller vegetables and delicate items contained while they cook. They’re a quick way to grill a variety of ingredients without losing anything through the grates.
A good grilling light extends your cook time into the evening. Look for bright LED options with magnetic bases or clamps so you can position them where you need light most.
This bbq romaine salad recipe was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2020.