Grilled Romaine Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Fresh Basil Recipe
This Grilled Romaine Salad elevates simple lettuce by grilling it to add smoky charred flavors, paired with vibrant grilled veggies and Italian-inspired toppings. Perfect as a refreshing BBQ side or a light summery meal when served with grilled chicken sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 lemons
Veggies & Toppings
- 1/4 red onion
- 4 mini sweet peppers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high or high heat to prepare for grilling the vegetables and romaine.
- Prepare Romaine: Cut the romaine lettuce heads lengthwise, keeping the cores attached to hold the leaves together for easier grilling.
- Oil and Season Romaine: Use a brush to lightly coat the cut sides of the romaine with olive oil, then season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Prepare Veggies: Cut the red onion into large chunks, keeping it attached to the core, or skewer for easier grilling. Brush the onion chunks and mini sweet peppers with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill Veggies: Place the peppers and onions on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning them halfway and moving them to the sides of the grill once partially cooked.
- Grill Romaine: Place the romaine cut-side down on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes, until lightly charred for smoky flavor.
- Remove and Assemble: Remove the romaine, onions, and peppers from the grill once cooked to your liking.
- Add Final Toppings: Drizzle the grilled romaine with fresh lemon juice, then top with cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, shredded basil, grilled peppers and onions, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a sharp knife for easy cutting and enjoy as a flavorful, fresh BBQ side dish.
Notes
- Use a brush to coat the cut side of the romaine with olive oil to prevent dripping and reduce BBQ flare-ups that can add an overly smoky flavor.
- Make it vegan by substituting parmesan cheese with pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds for a similar crunch and nuttiness.
- Grilling romaine just a few minutes softens it slightly while adding a nice smoky taste that pairs well with fresh, crisp toppings.
