This time of year is great for BBQ and in this house we BBQ at least 5 times a week. My Dad has taught me many things throughout the years and cooking is one that he is very passionate about and loves sharing with everyone around him. He is always into trying new things and one of many things that he got me hooked on is Grilled Lettuce. I know, I know this sounds interesting but it's one of those things I say don't knock it till you try it. The first time I made it for my husband he said, "Your making what?" I told him just to try it and ever since he has been hooked and wants it even in the winter when salads are not that popular but put a great and easy home made salad dressing on it and you have it made for a great dinner that takes hardly any time at all. So for a super easy dinner that takes no time at all here is a great recipe with the dressing and a few topping as well:
First things first, this may seem like a lot but everything takes no time at all and you can do just one step or all of them you if you choose, that is why salads are the best because you can make them how you like them! Everyone in my family likes tortilla strips on their salad so here is an easy way to make homemade tortilla strips that everyone will eat straighty out of the oven and good luck saving them from your salad (these are great to pre-bake and bag them to put on your salad or soup in the winter):
Knaughty Farms Tortilla Strips-
- 24 Corn Tortillas
- 1/4 cup Knaughty Farms Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of Fine Parmesan
Preheat oven to 450 F. Cut the tortillas in down the middle then cut length wise to make small strips out of them. Put on a baking sheet and pour Knaughty Farms Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper. Mix together and spread on an even layer on the sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese over the top and bake for about 10- 15 minutes or until brown. Set aside and let cool when done.
Grilled Roman Lettuce-
- Roman Lettuce (Half per person)
- Knaughty Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
Start BBQ and turn to high (for best results the BBQ has to be hot so it cooks it evenly and fast). Cut Roman Lettuce length wise, like a hotdog. Pour a generous amount of Knaughty Farms Olive Oil and Salk and Pepper. While your waiting you shoudl whip up the dressing, follow recipe below. After BBQ is hot put on BBQ flat side down, on the side that was cut. Shut lid and let cook for about 5 minutes, till the lettuce is wilted and flip to the rounded side. Let cook for another 5 minutes. It should be warm throughout the lettuce and if so, take off.
Knaughty Farms Olive Oil & Balsamic Dressing-
- 1/2 Cup balsamic
- 1/2 tsp Spicy mustard
- 1 tsp garlic (Fresh is best)
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
- 2/3 cup Knaughty Farms Olive Oil
While the BBQ is heating up for the lettuce I would make your dressing and let sit. Put balsamic, spicy mustard, garlic, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix it together. Now your going to add the Knaughty Farms Olive Oil, as you add the olive oil be sure to be whisking the whole time, that is the key. That is is it, right before you use you I would give it one more good whisk and then it is ready to serve.
Now to Eat all this YUUUMMMMYY food that you just made. How I usually serve, cut up lettuce and put in a salad bowl and combine with all your favorite salad ingredients (this one has lettuce, bell pepper, mushrooms, green onion, grilled chicken and Parmesan). Mix together and put on a plate put some Tortilla Strips on it with some dressing over that and boom dinner is served.
I hope you enjoy!! Any questions please feel free to ask below or email me knaughtyfarms@gmail.com!
-Happy Cooking, Olive Oil Momma!