Grilled Gem Lettuce Salad | AMAC

Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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This recipe is not only healthy and simple to prepare, but it’s also quite tasty. Our recipe calls for your favorite base such as hummus, Greek yogurt, or tahini as well as a selection of optional toppings – plus your favorite salad dressing. Take sensible shortcuts by using some prepared ingredients.

Recipe

(Makes 4 appetizer-size individual servings)

Gem lettuce, aka little gem lettuce, is a compact variety of romaine lettuce. This cross between romaine and butter lettuce is beloved for its sweet and mild flavor and crisp texture. If gem lettuce is unavailable, use quartered romaine lettuce instead.

Ingredients:

• 12 Tablespoons of hummus, Greek yogurt (or) tahini (pick one)
• 2 heads of gem lettuce, washed and halved lengthwise (Tip: keep some of the stem intact to hold the leaves together)
• 4 Tablespoons olive oil
• Cracked black pepper and salt, to taste
• A small handful of pomegranate seeds (or) sesame seeds (or) Parmesan crisps (or) bread croutons (or) crushed Pistachios (pick one or more topping)
• Your favorite salad dressing to serve on the side (optional)

Directions:

Lightly brush some olive oil over both sides of the little gem lettuce halves. Then, sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Heat a griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, quickly grill the lettuce halves in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, watching and turning once until lightly charred. Set lettuce halves aside. To plate: On four separate plates place 3 Tablespoons of prepared hummus, Greek yogurt, or prepared Tahini. Lay one lightly charred lettuce half over top. Sprinkle on toppings of your choice. If desired, serve alongside your favorite salad dressing.

Shortcut idea: Many stores sell prepared hummus, Greek yogurt, and tahini and salad dressings. Making your own versions or following easy to prepare recipes for homemade are great doable options.

What’s hummus? Hummus is made of cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Here’s a great recipe for Easy hummus (better than store bought.)

What is Greek yogurt? Greek yogurt is a strained yogurt with most of its whey removed and possesses a distinctive sour taste. Making your own version of homemade Greek yogurt is possible with this recipe.

What is tahini? This beloved condiment is made from toasted ground sesame. Here is a recipe suggestion for homemade tahini.

Serving inspiration: Grilling lettuce might sound weird but it’s quite tasty. Lightly charring the outer leaves adds an interesting layer of flavor and caramelization. Offering a variety of dressings and toppings further elevates this grilled gem lettuce salad recipe to the next level of absolute deliciousness. Give it a try and tell us what you think! P.S. While grilling, carefully watch the lettuce halves to avoid burning.