Grilled Romaine with Feta, Walnuts & Lemon Thyme Dressing
Grilling hearts of romaine is a beautiful way to present (and eat) a summer salad!
Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 package (3 heads) romaine lettuce hearts
2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
Fresh herbs, salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Lemon Thyme Dressing (or your favorite dressing)
Topping variations:
Cheese: crumbled feta, gorgonzola, goat cheese, grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
Toasted Nuts: walnuts, pine nuts, pecans or pistachios
MAKING IT:
Rinse each heart of romaine and pat dry. Cut off about ¼-inch of the bottom stem, but do not remove the core. Cut each romaine heart in half lengthwise.
Brush romaine with olive oil to coat all sides evenly. Sprinkle each heart with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat (see Tips for charcoal grill).
Lay romaine cut side down onto preheated grill. Turn heat to medium-low. Grill just until grill marks appear on cut side, about 2-3 minutes. Turn each head over and continue to grill for about 2-3 minutes more on medium-low heat. Romaine should begin to soften, but still retain its shape and some crispness inside.
Arrange grilled romaine halves on a platter. Drizzle with Lemon Thyme Dressing (or your favorite dressing) Sprinkle with crumbled or grated cheese, toasted nuts, a sprinkling of fresh herbs and more freshly ground black pepper, as desired. Serve immediately. Serves 6.
NUTRITION:
Nutrition Information per serving (1 grilled romaine half topped w/ 1Tbsp. each: Lemon Thyme Dressing, feta, chopped walnuts): 210 Calories; 20g Total Fat; (3.5g Sat Fat; 0g Trans Fat); 10mg Cholesterol; 270mg Sodium; 5g Total Carb; 3g Fiber; 2g Sugars (includes 0g Added Sugars); 4g Protein; 25% DV Vitamin A; 25% DV Vitamin C
TIPS:
Try grilling the romaine halves just before you grill your steak, chicken or other protein of choice!
You can scale this recipe up or down. Plan for 1 whole romaine heart for every 2 people.
If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are gray and you can hold your hand over them at about 5 inches for about 5 seconds.
