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Grilled Little Gem Salad with Pita Croutons

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Plant and Salad
Alex Lau

Yes—you can grill lettuce. And it’s worth it.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

8 heads Little Gem lettuce (about 1½ lbs.), halved lengthwise
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more for grill
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 pocket pitas, split along the seam
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup Sun Gold tomatoes, halved
½ cup whole flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 ounces ricotta salata, crumbled

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare grill for medium heat and lightly oil grates. Toss lettuce with 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Brush pita with 2 Tbsp. olive oil.

    Step 2

    Grill lettuce, turning once, until outside of lettuce is lightly charred but inside is still firm, about 2 minutes per side; let cool, then separate leaves. Meanwhile, grill pita until crisp, about 1 minute per side. Let cool, then break into bite-size pieces.

    Step 3

    Whisk together vinegar, tarragon, shallot, mustard, and remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, ricotta salata, and pita, and toss to combine.

    Step 4

    DO AHEAD: Dressing can be made up to 1 day ahead.

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