In This Article Show
Romaine lettuce is my usual choice when I want a salad with a good crunch. It holds up well with heavier toppings and doesn’t get soggy quickly, which makes it great for making ahead. I find that with just a few good ingredients and a straightforward dressing, it turns into a meal I actually look forward to.
These recipes are my favorite ways to use it.
Each one has a simple dressing you can whisk together in a minute, proving you don’t need anything complicated for a really good salad.
1. Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine hearts tossed with a homemade dressing of lemon, garlic, Worcestershire, parmesan, and mayonnaise. I finish it with more parmesan and black pepper. This is the version I make when I want the real thing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here to get the full recipe
2. Simple Lemon Garlic Romaine
Chopped romaine dressed with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, a minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. I sometimes add a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s the easiest side salad I know.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here to get the full recipe
3. Creamy Garlic Salad
Romaine wedges drizzled with a thin, creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt, milk, a little minced garlic, and lemon juice. It’s like a lighter, tangier ranch.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
4. BLT Romaine Salad
Chopped romaine with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado. I use the bacon fat warmed with a little red wine vinegar as the dressing. It tastes just like a BLT.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
Click here to get the full recipe
5. Greek Romaine Salad
Chopped romaine with the classic Greek additions: tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta. The dressing is just olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
Click here to get the full recipe
6. Taco Salad with Lime Dressing
Seasoned ground beef or turkey served on a bed of romaine with black beans, corn, and cheese. The dressing is lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
Click here to get the full recipe
7. Parmesan Pepper Romaine
A big bowl of torn romaine dressed with good olive oil, lots of cracked black pepper, and a heavy sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. I like how the pepper adds a little spice.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
8. Chicken Fajita Salad
Sliced grilled chicken and sautéed bell peppers and onions served over romaine. The dressing is a blend of lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of chili powder.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
Click here to get the full recipe
9. Apple Cider Vinegar Salad
Chopped romaine with a very simple sweet and sour dressing of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
10. Creamy Dill Romaine Salad
Romaine tossed with a cool, herb-filled dressing of plain yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a little garlic powder. It’s fresh and light.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
11. Steakhouse Wedge Salad
A classic romaine wedge topped with blue cheese dressing, chopped tomatoes, bacon, and chives. I buy a good blue cheese dressing to keep it simple.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
12. Lemon Tahini Romaine
A rich and creamy dressing made by whisking tahini, lemon juice, water, and a little garlic until smooth, then tossed with chopped romaine. It’s vegan and full of flavor.
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
Click here to get the full recipe
13. Italian Herb Romaine Salad
Romaine with a classic Italian vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. I add pepperoncini for a tangy bite.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here to get the full recipe
14. Buttermilk Black Pepper Dressing
Chopped romaine coated in a thin, tangy dressing of buttermilk, a little mayonnaise, and a lot of freshly cracked black pepper. It’s incredibly simple and good.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
15. Asian Sesame Romaine
Sliced romaine with a dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Toasted sesame seeds go on top. It’s a savory, umami-packed side.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here to get the full recipe
16. Mustard Vinaigrette Romaine
A bold dressing of Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a tiny bit of honey. It’s tangy and strong, perfect for a salad that needs to stand up to grilled meats.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here to get the full recipe
17. Red Wine Vinaigrette with Herbs
The most basic vinaigrette of red wine vinegar and olive oil, but with a handful of chopped fresh parsley and chives mixed in. The fresh herbs make it special.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
