If you’re looking for a salad that breaks free from the usual leafy routine, the Grilled Romaine Hearts with Parmesan Mint Yogurt Dressing Recipe is your new go-to dish. The smoky char from the grill adds a wonderful depth to crisp romaine hearts, while the cool, creamy parmesan mint yogurt dressing adds a fresh, tangy twist that’s utterly irresistible. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and light—a perfect companion for any meal or a standout dish on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Never underestimate the power of simple, quality ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the fresh crunch of romaine hearts to the herbaceous, creamy dressing that brings everything together. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 3 fresh romaine hearts, cut in half: The star of the dish, offering a crisp bite that’s perfect for grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds rich, fruity notes and helps achieve that beautiful grill char.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty kick that melts slightly when grilled.
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing, lending tang and smoothness.
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint: Brings a fresh, cooling element to lighten the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Adds an herbal brightness that complements the mint.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Introduces a pleasant acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a silky texture in the dressing and rounds out the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the dressing perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of peppery warmth.
- Water, as needed: Helps to adjust the consistency of the yogurt dressing for drizzling.
How to Make Grilled Romaine Hearts with Parmesan Mint Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Romaine
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While the grill warms up, wash the romaine hearts thoroughly to remove any grit, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry leaves help achieve that amazing char without steaming the lettuce.
Step 2: Season the Romaine
Brush olive oil liberally over both sides of each romaine half. This not only prevents sticking but also encourages caramelization on the grill. Sprinkle sea salt and ground black pepper evenly, which will enhance the romaine’s natural flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Romaine Hearts
Place each romaine heart cut side down on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes so they develop those beautiful BBQ marks and a slightly smoky flavor. Then carefully flip them over.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Finish Grilling
Once flipped, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the grilled side of the romaine. The cheese will soften and melt slightly against the warm lettuce. Continue grilling for another 2 minutes—this step melds the nutty parmesan flavor with the charred greens perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
While the romaine finishes grilling, whisk together plain yogurt, finely chopped mint, fresh dill, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches your preferred pourable consistency—a dressing that’s smooth and fresh.
Step 6: Plate and Dress
Transfer the grilled romaine hearts to a large serving platter. Generously drizzle the parmesan mint yogurt dressing over the warm grills. The contrast between the warm lettuce and cool, herbaceous dressing is downright divine. Serve immediately to enjoy every vibrant bite.
How to Serve Grilled Romaine Hearts with Parmesan Mint Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts, additional grated parmesan, or a light dusting of smoked paprika on top. Fresh mint leaves or lemon zest can add bursts of color and brightness, making this dish not just delicious but visually stunning as well.
Side Dishes
This grilled romaine recipe pairs beautifully with summer grilled meats like chicken, steak, or salmon. It also works perfectly alongside a chilled quinoa salad or a platter of roasted vegetables, adding refreshing crunch and herbaceous zing to your meal spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled romaine hearts on individual plates topped with a dollop of dressing and edible flowers. Alternatively, chop the grilled hearts after dressing them and mix into grain bowls or tacos for a smoky salad experience that’s both unexpected and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled romaine hearts and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the romaine wrapped gently in paper towels to absorb excess moisture so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish since grilled lettuce and fresh yogurt-based dressings don’t maintain their texture and flavor when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
If you want to gently reheat the grilled romaine, do so briefly in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through, then add fresh dressing before serving. Avoid microwaving as this can make the lettuce limp and watery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this recipe?
While romaine hearts hold up best to grilling thanks to their sturdy leaves, you could try sturdy varieties like little gem or cos lettuce. Just note the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
Is plain yogurt necessary, or can I use Greek yogurt?
Plain yogurt offers a lighter texture that complements the fresh herbs and cheese, but Greek yogurt works well too if you prefer a thicker, tangier dressing. You may want to add a bit more water to thin it out.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The parmesan mint yogurt dressing can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling to recombine any separation.
What alternatives to parmesan cheese work here?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano make lovely substitutes if you want a similar salty, nutty flavor with a slightly different profile.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe keeps things mild and fresh with just a hint of black pepper. If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the dressing is a great way to spice things up.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Grilled Romaine Hearts with Parmesan Mint Yogurt Dressing Recipe enough—it’s a total game-changer when it comes to salads. The combination of smoky, crisp greens with that creamy, herb-packed dressing will have you hooked from the first bite. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll find a welcome spot in your cooking rotation and your heart!
Print
Grilled Romaine Hearts with Parmesan Mint Yogurt Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for grilled romaine hearts, perfectly charred and topped with a fresh and tangy herb yogurt dressing. This quick and easy side dish is ideal for summer barbecues or a light, flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Romaine
- 3 fresh romaine hearts, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure the romaine hearts get a nice char without overcooking.
- Prepare the Romaine: Wash the romaine hearts thoroughly to remove any grit and pat them dry carefully with a paper towel to avoid steaming instead of grilling.
- Season the Romaine: Brush both sides of the romaine halves with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with sea salt and ground black pepper for balanced seasoning.
- Grill the Romaine: Place the romaine halves cut side down on the hot grill. Grill for 3 minutes to develop grill marks and slight wilting. Flip the romaine and immediately sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top, grilling for an additional 2 minutes to let the cheese warm slightly and the romaine finish cooking.
- Remove from Grill: Take the grilled romaine hearts off the grill and arrange them neatly on a large serving platter for easy presentation.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, chopped mint, fresh dill, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Add a tablespoon or two of water gradually to thin the dressing to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the fresh herb yogurt dressing generously over the warm grilled romaine hearts and serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the romaine hearts are dry before grilling to get a better char and prevent steaming.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing.
- If you prefer, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
- Grilled romaine can be served as a salad base or a side dish to grilled meats or seafood.
