Grilled Artisan Romaine Lettuce Wedge With Cardamom Spiced Apples And Honey Lavender Orange Dressing

In the world of gourmet cuisine, innovation and tradition often dance together to create dishes that tantalize the taste buds and offer an unforgettable dining experience.

One such creation is the Grilled Artisan Romaine Lettuce Wedge, adorned with Cardamom Spiced Apples and drizzled with a Honey Lavender Orange Dressing.

This dish not only elevates the humble lettuce to culinary stardom but also showcases the artistry of combining seemingly disparate flavors into harmonious perfection.

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The Art of Grilling Romaine

Grilling Romaine lettuce might seem unconventional to some, yet it transforms this leafy green into a smoky, charred delight.

By lightly brushing the lettuce with olive oil and placing it on a hot grill, the natural sugars caramelize, creating a subtle sweetness that enhances its natural crispness.

This method infuses the lettuce with a depth of flavor, making it the perfect canvas for a symphony of toppings.

The Sweet Symphony of Cardamom Spiced Apples

The addition of cardamom spiced apples introduces a layer of complexity that complements the grilled Romaine.

Cardamom, with its warm and aromatic notes, pairs beautifully with apples’ natural sweetness.

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Sautéing the apples with a touch of butter and cardamom results in a fragrant, tender topping that adds both texture and a hint of spice to the dish.

The Magic of Honey Lavender Orange Dressing

The Honey Lavender Orange Dressing is a masterpiece in itself, combining floral, citrus, and sweet notes into a luxurious drizzle.

Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a bright, zesty base, while honey adds a natural sweetness.

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The infusion of lavender brings a subtle floral aroma, elevating the dressing to a level of sophistication that ties all the elements together.

Drizzled over the grilled Romaine and spiced apples, this dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate.

A Feast for the Senses

This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual masterpiece.

The vibrant greens of the grilled Romaine, the golden hues of the spiced apples, and the glistening dressing create a plate that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

The dish can be served as a standalone appetizer or as a fresh, elegant side to a main course.

Grilled Artisan Romaine Lettuce Wedge with Cardamom Spiced Apples and Honey Lavender Orange Dressing is a testament to the creativity and passion that defines gourmet cuisine.

It invites diners to explore a world where familiar ingredients are transformed into extraordinary experiences.

Whether enjoyed at a fine dining restaurant or recreated in the comfort of your home, this dish promises to be a memorable culinary journey that celebrates the art of flavor fusion.

Grilled Artisan Romaine Lettuce Wedge With Cardamom Spiced Apples And Honey Lavender Orange Dressing

For The Salad

1 Artisan Romaine lettuce head, slice lengthwise in half

1 red apple, such as Honeycrisp, cored, seeds removed, quartered, slice each quarter in half 

1/4 cup dried cranberries 

1 cup grapes, sliced lengthwise in half

1 teaspoon cardamom 

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup water

1/4-1/2 cup sliced almonds, for garnishing

Sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnishing

For The Dressing 

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup raw honey 

1 teaspoon orange zest

1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds, crushed 

juice from 1/2 orange

2 tablespoons rice vinegar 

Add ingredients to a dressing/vinaigrette shaker or mason jar and shake vigorously. Set aside while making the cardamom spiced apples. 

For The Spiced Apples

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples, dried cranberries, cardamom, sugar, butter and water. 

Sauté apples as butter melts and water comes to a simmer. Add cranberries and continue sautéing, stirring until water has evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside. 

Grilling The Lettuce

Heat grill to 450 degrees.

Remove the outer leafy leaves from the lettuce head as they will wilt before the rest of the lettuce chars. 

Rinse the heads of lettuce under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

Cut the heads of lettuce in half lengthwise. Brush cut side with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. 

Place the half heads of lettuce flat side down over the heated grill and grill until the flat side has a nice blackened char for about 2-3 minutes.

Flip lettuce head over and sear one curved side another 2-3 minutes rotate to char the other half of the curved side another 2-3 minutes.

Remove any leaves that come loose during the grilling process.

Once the flat side and the curved side are charred, remove from the heat to a plate and let cool.

Assemble The Salad

Place one half grilled lettuce head cut side up onto a dinner plate. Spoon half the spiced apple-cranberry mixture and 1/2 cup sliced grapes over the Artisan lettuce head.

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Sprinkle with almond slices, 3-4 tablespoons dressing and grated chedder or Parmesan cheese.

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Try These Salad Favorites

• Salad Stuffed Romaine Lettuce Leaves
• Leafy Greens & Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad
• Blood Orange Fennel and Mint Salad
• Apple Mango & Radish Salad

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