Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Blue Cheese Dressing

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Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Blue Cheese Dressing

️ Servings

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Description

Grilled romaine lettuce brings a smoky, slightly charred flavor to the crisp, juicy leaves, transforming an everyday salad into a warm, satisfying dish. Paired with creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing, it’s a restaurant-quality appetizer or light entrée that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Romaine:

  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

For the Blue Cheese Dressing:

  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar

  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1 tbsp milk to thin the dressing if desired

‍ Instructions

Grilling the Romaine:

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

  2. Brush the cut side of the romaine halves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Place romaine cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 2–3 minutes or until lightly charred and slightly wilted.

  4. Flip and grill for an additional minute if desired. Remove from heat.

Making the Blue Cheese Dressing:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  2. Fold in the crumbled blue cheese. If too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.

  3. Chill for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

To Serve:

  • Drizzle grilled romaine with the blue cheese dressing.

  • Garnish with extra crumbles of blue cheese, chopped chives, bacon bits, or toasted nuts if desired.

Tips

  • Use sturdy romaine hearts: They hold up better on the grill without falling apart.

  • Oil generously to prevent sticking and ensure a nice sear.

  • Use a cast iron grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

  • Add toppings like grilled chicken, steak strips, or a soft-boiled egg for a heartier dish.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 230

  • Fat: 20g

  • Carbohydrates: 4g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Sodium: 450mg
    (Varies based on exact dressing amounts and optional toppings.)

Health Benefits

  • Romaine lettuce is low in calories but high in vitamins A and K.

  • Blue cheese, though higher in fat, contains calcium and gut-beneficial molds.

  • Greek yogurt dressing version provides added protein and probiotics.

  • Grilling reduces the need for heavy dressings by adding flavor naturally.

❓Q&A

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! It’s naturally vegetarian. Just ensure your blue cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.

Q: What can I use instead of blue cheese?
A: Try feta, goat cheese, or a creamy ranch dressing for a milder alternative.

Q: Can I grill the romaine ahead of time?
A: You can, but it’s best served warm. If prepping ahead, slightly under-grill and reheat quickly in a hot pan.

Q: Is this keto-friendly?
A: Yes! It’s low in carbs and fits a keto diet, especially when using full-fat dairy

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