Charred Romaine with Tomatillo Dressing

A Mexican-inspired grilled salad featuring charred romaine lettuce topped with a creamy tomatillo-avocado dressing, grilled poblano, and cotija cheese. The combination of smoky grilled vegetables and tangy, spicy dressing creates a unique and flavorful dish.

4 servings
31 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ medium medium white onion, quartered
  • 1 small small tomatillo, husk removed
  • 1 whole jalapeño, sliced, seeds removed
  • 1 clove garlic clove
  • ¼ whole avocado, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small small poblano chile
  • 2 heads heads of romaine lettuce, outer leaves removed, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 whole avocado, chopped
  • ¼ medium medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 ounces Cotija cheese, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoons chopped cilantro stems

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring onion, tomatillo, jalapeño, garlic, and 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until onion is very tender, 6-8 minutes; let cool. Drain, reserving cooking liquid.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Purée onion mixture with avocado and cilantro leaves in a blender. With motor running, gradually add oil and 2 tablespoons cooking liquid and blend until combined.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Add lime juice; season with salt and pepper.

    1 min

  4. 4.

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Grill poblano, turning occasionally, until charred and blistered, 6-8 minutes. Let cool. Peel and finely chop.

    8 min

  5. 5.

    Drizzle cut sides of romaine with oil; season with salt. Grill, cut side down, until charred, about 3 minutes. Turn and grill just until warmed through, about 30 seconds.

    4 min

  6. 6.

    Spoon dressing onto plates and top with romaine, charred side up, avocado, onion, and poblano. Drizzle with lime juice; season lightly with salt. Scatter Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro stems over.

    5 min

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