Hearts Of Romaine Salad
A vibrant Hearts Of Romaine Salad featuring crisp romaine hearts coated with a fragrant basil vinaigrette. The dish offers fresh, herbaceous flavors complemented by Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, making it perfect for light lunches or elegant dinner sides that appeal to herb lovers and salad enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove dark green outer leaves and discard.
- Tear remaining leaves into quarter pieces; rinse and dry.
- Add into a food processor the basil, shallots, vinegar, and mustard and process briefly (three or four short bursts).
- Add olive oil and Parmesan cheese and process in two short bursts, just to combine.
- Divide romaine hearts among four chilled plates and drizzle dressing over.
- Garnish with basil sprigs and toasted pine nuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing. If you don't have shallots, finely minced red onion can be a good substitute. For a twist, try adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes, which complement Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light main course or as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Olive-Cheese Puffs as an appetizer. For a complete meal, consider adding a slice of crusty bread or a scoop of Tomato Rice on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the romaine from becoming soggy. If reheating is necessary, consider gently warming the salad in a skillet over low heat, but fresh salads are best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearts Of Romaine Salad contains roughly 156 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before drizzling over the salad to recombine the ingredients.
What can I add to make this salad heartier?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. These additions not only increase the protein content but also enhance the overall texture and flavor, making it a satisfying meal.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the crispness of the romaine. Pre-portioned salads in jars are a great way to enjoy this dish throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).