Grilling a hearty lettuce, like romaine, turns any ordinary salad into a go-to meal.

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Ingredients for Salad

Serves: 2

• 2 tsp olive oil

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise, ends trimmed

• 2 Tbsp feta cheese, crumbled

   

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Toppings

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumbers, cubed

• ¼ cup red onion, diced and/or pickled

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)

• 2 Tbsp herbs, such as oregano and dill

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

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Method

1. Mix topping ingredients with the vinegar and oil, set aside.

2. In a heavy pan, heat olive oil and pepper to medium high.

3. Before the oil starts to smoke add the romaine cut side down. Weight the lettuce down with a heavy lid. There should be a nice sear within 2-4 minutes. Turnover and cover for another minute or two. Then plate.

4. Spoon the mixture generously over the lettuce, sprinkle feta on top, and serve. 

Per serving: 202 calories, 7g protein, 20g carbohydrates (7g fiber), 12g fat (3g sat fat, 8g mono/poly), 295mg sodium

 

Seasoned Cook
If you’re having this as a main meal, add more protein with lentils, beans, chicken, or canned fish. To make a Nicoise version of this dish, add tuna, an egg, and potatoes. The lettuce makes a great base for other leftovers, too!