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Delicious Dish

Sides & Salads

Grilled Baby Gem Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Ricotta Recipe

February 4, 2020|By Carolyn Cohen
Grilled Baby Gem Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Ricotta - sides & salads recipe by Carolyn Cohen

salata and seeds This is the perfect weeknight salad recipe. I love these little baby gem lettuces, just cut them un half and throw them on the grill! ricotta salata is dried ricotta cheese. It is a hard cheese and shaves beautifully. If you can find it, use parmesan or pecorino.

Ingredients

  • 1 box baby gem romaine lettuces
  • Olive oil to brush on the lettuce halves
  • About 1 cup shaved ricotta salata
  • Kosher or maldon salt
  • Plenty of freshly ground coarse pepper
  • ¼ cup assorted seeds, sunflower,
  • pumpkin, hemp, flax, poppy (or chopped
  • nuts).
  • Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
  • ½ tsp. lemon zest
  • ¼ cup meyer lemon juice or 3 tbsp. lemon
  • juice plus 1 tbsp. orange juice
  • 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. whole grain mustard
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the grill to medium high.

  2. 2

    Cut the baby lettuce heads in half and brush with oil and sprinkle with salt. Lay the lettuce halves, cut side down on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes, remove to a platter, cut side up.

  3. 3

    Mix the vinaigrette ingredients together and drizzle over the leaves (you won’t need it all, save it for a few days).

  4. 4

    Sprinkle salt and pepper over the dressed leaves.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle with the shaved ricotta salata cheese Serves 4 *I’m not a big fan of washing lettuce, that’s why I love these baby gems. If you can find them, buy a bag of romaine hearts and cut them in half for the grill.

Tips & Storage

How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most sides keep well for 3-4 days. Dress salads just before serving to keep them crisp.
Make Ahead Tip
Many sides can be prepped in advance. Chop vegetables and make dressings ahead of time, then assemble just before serving.
Serving Tip
This pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Grilled Baby Gem Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Ricotta?

This Grilled Baby Gem Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Ricotta recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 16 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.

What goes well with this grilled baby gem salad with meyer lemon vinaigrette, ricotta?

This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.