Grilled Romaine Salad

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while, guys! I’ve been a bit busy starting to do a little catering business, so the blog kind of got put on the back burner (do I get points for this awesome pun?). Anyway, let’s get to this recipe inspired by this

http://www.inspiralized.com/2014/08/13/grilled-romaine-with-caramelized-onion-noodles-blue-cheese-and-greek-yogurt-balsamic-dressing/

post on Inspiralized!

It’s a very simple salad which can be a great side or even a main meal, but it’s such a different idea from the typical big bowl of veggies which pops into mind when I first hear the word salad. It’s different, and has the most fantastic flavours and textures, and if you’re looking to impress people with it, you’ve picked the right recipe.

Ingredients:
1 Romaine lettuce head, rinsed, ends chopped off and cut in half lengthwise
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 onion, cut into thin strips
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup feta or shredded parmesean (optional)

For the dressing (might make extra, depending on how much you like)
1/4 cup lowfat plain yoghurt
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
salt and pepper, to taste

To start, heat a sauté pan with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat and sauté onion, with garlic powder and a dash of pepper, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Next, preheat your grill to medium heat and brush the insides of the lettuce halves with remaining tbsp of olive oil. Generously sprinkle on black pepper and add a dash of salt. Once your grill is preheated, place the lettuce on it, cut side down, and let cook for about 4-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. It’ll get a few blackened pieces, but they’re crispy and delicious and nothing to worry about.

Remove from grill and place the lettuce halves on two plates, cut side up, possibly with some kind of meat or pasta if this salad is a side, and spread desired amount of caramelized onions over the surface. Sprinkle on cheese (if you eat cheese) and drizzle on dressing. Enjoy a super interesting and fancy feeling salad that makes you definitely want to eat your greens.

–Happy Cooking!