Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Romaine and Cotija Cheese is a delightful dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors. The sweetness of ripe California strawberries pairs beautifully with the smoky char from grilled romaine. Adding crispy salami and creamy Cotija cheese gives it a satisfying texture. This salad is not just tasty but also looks beautiful on a plate, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a light lunch.
How to Make Strawberry Salad with Grilled Romaine and Cotija Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices salami, sliced to bacon thickness
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup ripe California strawberries
- ½ avocado
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped oregano
- ½ Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
Directions
- Whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing. Set it aside.
- Roughly chop the salami and sauté it in a pan until it becomes crispy. Transfer the crispy salami to a paper towel to drain the excess fat.
- Preheat your grill to high. Remove the outer leaves of the romaine lettuce. Slice the romaine in half lengthwise, drizzle it with olive oil, and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Place each half of the romaine cut side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes until the romaine starts to char.
- Transfer the grilled romaine to a large platter.
- Slice the strawberries into quarters and place them on the romaine wedges.
- Cut the avocado into small dices and add them to the salad along with the crispy salami, oregano, cilantro, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
- Lightly drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
How to Serve Strawberry Salad with Grilled Romaine and Cotija Cheese
This salad is best served fresh and warm right after it is prepared. You can plate it individually or serve it on a large platter for everyone to help themselves. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
How to Store Strawberry Salad with Grilled Romaine and Cotija Cheese
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within a day for optimal freshness. However, the grilled romaine may lose its crispness after being stored.
Tips to Make Strawberry Salad with Grilled Romaine and Cotija Cheese
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning in the dressing according to your preference.
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with chopped nuts or seeds.
- You can replace Cotija cheese with feta cheese if needed.
Variation
You can add other ingredients to this salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even grilled chicken for a heartier dish. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or dressings to make it your own!
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes, you can substitute romaine with other lettuces like iceberg or butter lettuce, but grilling works best with romaine.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Omit the salami and Cotija cheese, and replace the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dressing several days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Strawberry Salad with Grilled Romaine and Cotija Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad featuring grilled romaine, ripe strawberries, crispy salami, and creamy Cotija cheese.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices salami, sliced to bacon thickness
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup ripe California strawberries
- ½ avocado
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped oregano
- ½ Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
Instructions
- Whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing. Set it aside.
- Roughly chop the salami and sauté it in a pan until it becomes crispy. Transfer the crispy salami to a paper towel to drain the excess fat.
- Preheat your grill to high. Remove the outer leaves of the romaine lettuce. Slice the romaine in half lengthwise, drizzle it with olive oil, and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Place each half of the romaine cut side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes until the romaine starts to char.
- Transfer the grilled romaine to a large platter.
- Slice the strawberries into quarters and place them on the romaine wedges.
- Cut the avocado into small dices and add them to the salad along with the crispy salami, oregano, cilantro, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
- Lightly drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
Notes
Best served fresh and warm. Pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed alone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: salad, strawberry, grilled romaine, Cotija cheese, summer salad, healthy dish
Written by Isabella Baute
Isabella Baute is a food writer and home cook dedicated to making cooking accessible and enjoyable. She focuses on easy-to-follow recipes with everyday ingredients, covering everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion desserts.
