Grilled romaine with lemon and olive oil

Grilled romaine with lemon and olive oil is a quick and flavorful dish featuring smoky greens enhanced by tangy lemon. This easy recipe is perfect as a side or light main course, showcasing the fresh flavors of the ingredients.

17 Dec 2025
Cook time 4 min
Prep time 1 min

Ingredients:

1 lettuce
1 tsp olive oil
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
1 tsp lemon juice

Grilled romaine with lemon and olive oil is a simple yet flavorful dish that serves as a perfect side or even a light main course. The grilling process adds a slight smokiness to the romaine, while the lemon and olive oil provide a fresh and tangy twist. This recipe is quick, easy, and a delightful way to enjoy your greens.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

2. Prep the Romaine:
Remove any wilted outer leaves from the romaine lettuce. Cut the head of romaine in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.

3. Season the Lettuce:
Drizzle the cut sides of the romaine halves with the olive oil. Use a brush or your fingers to evenly coat the surface. Season with a dash of salt and a dash of black pepper on both cut sides.

4. Grill the Romaine:
Place the romaine halves cut-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the edges begin to char. Flip the romaine halves and grill for another 1-2 minutes, until the leaves are slightly wilted and have a smoky flavor.

5. Add the Lemon Juice:
Remove the grilled romaine from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the romaine halves.

6. Serve Immediately:
Grilled romaine is best served fresh off the grill. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a part of a salad. For added flavor and texture, consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped toasted nuts.

Grilled romaine with lemon and olive oil is a refreshing and tasty way to enjoy a salad. Its simplicity is matched by its robust flavor, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Enjoy the smoky, tangy, and crisp flavors of this grilled romaine - a delightful change from your usual salad routine.

Grilled romaine with lemon and olive oil FAQ:

What can I use instead of romaine lettuce?

You can substitute romaine lettuce with other sturdy greens such as iceberg lettuce or even kale. Keep in mind that the grilling time may vary slightly depending on the type of green used.

How long should I grill the romaine?

Grill the romaine for about 2-3 minutes on the cut side until grill marks appear, then flip and grill for another 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted. The total grilling time is approximately 3-5 minutes.

Can I prepare grilled romaine in advance?

Grilled romaine is best served fresh off the grill for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the romaine by cutting and seasoning it ahead of time but grill it just before serving for the best results.

How do I know when the romaine is done grilling?

The romaine is done when you see visible grill marks and the edges are slightly charred. The leaves should be wilted but not completely limp.

What should I do if I don't have a grill?

If you don't have a grill, you can achieve a similar effect by using a grill pan on the stovetop or broiling the romaine in the oven. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Tips:

- Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high to get the perfect char on the romaine.

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best acidity and brightness.

- Brush the romaine with olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill.

- Keep an eye on the romaine while grilling to avoid over-charring.

- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Nutrition per serving

2 Servings
Calories 50kcal
Protein 4.27g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 4.09g
Sugar 2.52g
Fat 2.73g

Grilled romaine with lemon and olive oil