I can't remember the last time I ate Iceberg lettuce, but it used to be the only kind my mother purchased while we were growing up. Somewhere along the way, I started using Romaine as my go-to lettuce and will also use the mixed baby green variety.
So while I was out shopping recently, I decided to purchase a head of Iceberg lettuce and make this Grilled Iceberg Wedge with Pecans in a Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette.
What is the history of Lettuce?
Did you know that lettuce belongs to the sunflower family? Lettuce is a plant that grows year-round, is native to the Mediterranean area and is believed to have been first cultivated around 4500 BC.
Salad lettuce was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans and primitive heads were loose and leafy.
What are the different types of lettuce?
Today there are many different varieties which contain several nutrients such as Vitamin A and C and minerals like calcium and iron. The highest nutrients come in the darker green, outer leaves and all lettuce is low in calories.
Here are some favorite types of lettuce.
Arugula
- Look for long, bright green leaves on a thin stem
- Tastes peppery with a slight bitter flavor
- Adds a kick to other greens or compliments mild chicken or fish dishes; like this recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken Cutlets with Arugula Salad
Butterhead
- Look for loose heads with wide leaves
- Tastes delicate with a hint of sweetness
Iceberg
- Look for large, compact heads of light green leaves
- Has a mild flavor and pairs nicely with stronger flavors
Leaf
- Available in Red or Green leaf
- Look for leaves that have curly edges and are loosely gathered around the stem
- Has a crisp, mild nutty flavor
- Can be used as a wrap with your favorite ingredients
Radicchio
- Look for purplish leaves with white ribs on the small heads
- Has a slightly bitter, crisp taste
- You can grill or eat it raw and the sturdy leaves make a great substitution for a plate or bowl
Romaine
- Look for large green outer leaves on a long head
- This crunchy lettuce is mild and very versatile
Spinach
- Look for flat, rounded dark green leaves with thin stems
- Builds strong bones and better eyesight
- Mild taste
- Try this Spinach Salad with Apples & Pecans in an Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette
I have seen wedge salads on many menus over the years, but never tried them myself. So I came up with my own version for lunch one day by first quartering the head of lettuce, grilling it; then topping it with pecans and Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette.
It was deliciously filling and not only did it make a nice lunch, it would also make a lovely starter to a sit down meal. ~Enjoy!
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Grilled Iceberg Wedge with Pecans in a Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce
- Ā¼ c. Pecans, whole
- Prepared Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette
For the Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp. Aged Balsamic Vinegar
- Ā¼ c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Garlic Clove
- 2 tbsp. Crumbled Goat Cheese
- 1 tsp. Fresh Thyme
- Ā¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
- ā tsp. Black Pepper
Instructions
For the Salad:
- Remove the core from the lettuce by pounding the base on a flat surface; then pull out the core. Run cold water through the lettuce and allow to drain. Pat with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Cut the head of lettuce in half, then in half again. You should have four equal quarters.
- Heat your grill (I used an indoor Cuisinart) and grill your lettuce approximately 4-5 minutes; until you have slight grill marks
- Place the lettuce on a plate, drizzle about 1-2 tbsp. of dressing on top; then top with pecans.
For the Balsamic Goat Cheese Vinaigrette:
- Add the vinegar, oil, garlic, thyme and goat cheese to a mini food chopper or blender and pulse until all ingredients are smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Carrie - ASassyRedhead.com says
This came at a great time. I've been on a big salad kick for the last couple of weeks. I could literally have one every single day.
I load it up with sunflower seeds or walnuts or chow mein noodles or pineapple or raisins or anything I can find in the pantry to toss in there.
This is perfect...thanks!
Carrie Farias says
Thanks Carrie and I do the same thing with my salads. I like to have a lot of different textures in there.
The Red Apron says
One Word! YUM!
Anything with pecans are just simply delish.
Carrie Farias says
I'm glad you like it Gghie! I love pecans as well, they really add a lovely flavor to most recipes. Thanks for stopping by.