Get ready to elevate your salad game with a show-stopping dish that’s as delicious as it is stunning! Grilled Romaine with Blue Cheese Bacon Vinaigrette is not just a salad; it's an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Imagine the smoky char of perfectly grilled romaine, paired with the rich creaminess of blue cheese and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon—this dish is a must-try! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this gourmet delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to dive into this flavorful adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the romaine lettuce gets a nice char on the outside while still staying crisp on the inside.
- While the grill is heating up, prepare the romaine lettuce. Cut each head in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact so that the lettuce holds together while grilling. Rinse the lettuce and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette. Set aside.
- Once the grill is hot, place the romaine lettuce halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the lettuce starts to wilt slightly.
- Remove the lettuce from the grill and place it on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top of the lettuce, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and blue cheese over the top of the lettuce. The heat from the grilled lettuce will help the cheese soften slightly and the bacon to become extra crispy.
- Serve the grilled romaine immediately, while it's still warm and crisp. This dish is best enjoyed on its own, but you could also serve it as a side dish with your favorite grilled protein.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Romaine: Look for crisp, vibrant heads of romaine lettuce. Freshness will enhance the flavor and texture of your grilled salad.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and a perfect char without wilting the lettuce too much.
- Keep the Core Intact: When halving the romaine, leave the core intact. This will help the lettuce hold its shape on the grill, making it easier to handle and serve.
- Customize Your Vinaigrette: Feel free to experiment with the vinaigrette by adding herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the grilled romaine as a standalone dish or pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic side dish at barbecues or dinner parties!
- Enjoy Fresh: This dish is best served immediately after grilling to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the warmth of the cheese and bacon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
