This Simple Trick Will Transform Your Caesar Salad

Just trust us on this one.

Lettuce isn’t generally the first thing that comes to mind when you think of grilling. However, a few months ago, I stopped at Eataly for a quick countertop lunch. It’s my favorite place to sit because it’s like lunch and a show. As I sat there, watching the team of cooks hard at work, I couldn’t help but notice they were grilling one head of lettuce after another. It was clear that the dish was in high demand, and so I asked them what it was, followed suit, and ordered this char-grilled salad that smelled absolutely divine, searing on the hot grates before me.

It tasted as delicious as it smelled and looked. It was this flavorful, tender, smoky, and perfectly warm and crisp salad that enhanced every element of flavor and texture. All summer long, following that lunch, I fell in love with the art of grilling romaine lettuce and making variations of grilled Caesar salad platters. Discover some trendy Caesar salads here.

Why You Should Grill Your Lettuce

If you tend to underestimate the versatility of lettuce, you’re about to be conformed. Once you try grilled romaine hearts, you simply won’t look at lettuce the same again. Grilling romaine lettuce immensely impacts and improves its flavor and texture, infusing the natural earthy flavors with a subtle hickory smokiness and giving the crisp leaves a warm and magical balance of tenderness and crisp.

As the grill works its magic on the lettuce, the romaine leaves become mildly caramelized, which is going to enhance all of the flavors of a Caesar salad tenfold! Just imagine sharp Parmesan cheese, toasty croutons, and creamy, rich, slightly tangy Caesar dressing combined with the warmth of tender and smoky grilled romaine lettuce. This is like an umami explosion to your taste buds.

How to Grill Romaine Lettuce

Not all varieties of lettuce are made for grilling, but hearts of romaine are ideal. It’s hearty, sturdy, crisp, and it will withstand the high heat of the grill or grill pan without wilting, falling apart, or easily burning. Grilled romaine lettuce isn’t just delicious. It’s also incredibly easy. Use the following steps for achieving the perfect romaine char.

• Slice a head of romaine vertically. It’s important to keep the leaves connected to the core, because that is how they remain strong and firm for grilling. Aesthetically, this also makes for gorgeous plating.

• Prepare each romaine half. Brush each heart of romaine generously with olive, and then season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Use medium-high heat. Brush your grill grates or grill pan with a little bit of olive oil as they become sufficiently hot for charring the lettuce. You want to achieve those gorgeous sear marks and get the leaves smoky and caramelized. Discover the best grill pans here.

• Focus on the inside for grilling. Grill the flat, inner sliced sides of each romaine half first for about three minutes. Press each half down with tongs periodically for an adequate char. That is where those beautiful sear lines come in and the caramelization really happens. Once the lettuce has a deep sear and you smell the smoky (not burnt) flavor, use tongs again to flip the lettuce halves, grilling for two more minutes.

The Perfect Sheet Pan Dinner

You can serve these grilled heart of romaine salads to guests on a platter for a gorgeous and flavorful salad course, or you can keep it simple throughout the week and enjoy this as a delicious dinner for one a la sheet pan! If you want to make homemade Caesar dressing, check out this recipe.

I’m a big fan of girl dinners, and this has become a regular go-to in my rotation. I simply fire up the grill pan on my stove, give my romaine lettuce that perfect char, and then place it on a parchment lined sheet pan. This is where I drizzle it with Caesar dressing or quality extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shaved lemon zest, and top it off with toasted pine nuts over big clunky croutons. I enjoy it right from the pan, and it’s divine. Whether you’re trying to brainstorm a last minute, no muss no fuss weeknight meal or planning your swanky, special holiday menu, grilled romaine Caesar salads are an absolute must-try! Check out more BBQ & grilled salads here!

Read the original article on All Recipes.