Grilled Romaine Salad with Creamy Sweet Chili Dressing

Grilled Romaine Salad with Creamy Sweet Chili Dressing

Smoky grilled romaine meets the bold umami of Italian Style Salami-Inspired Clean Plant Protein in this elevated summer salad. Finished with a creamy sweet chili dressing, it’s crunchy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy.

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
  • 6–8 slices Prime Roots Koji Salami
  • Olive oil (for grilling)
  • Salt + pepper

For the creamy sweet chili dressing:

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tsp Birds Eye chilies, finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Water to thin, if needed

For the crunchy topping:

  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

Toast the topping:

  1. In a small skillet over medium heat, add panko and olive oil.
  2. Stir frequently until golden brown (2–3 minutes).
  3. Add chopped pistachios and toast for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with flaky salt. Set aside.

Grill the romaine:

  1. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Lightly brush romaine halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Grill cut-side down for 3-4 minutes or until lightly charred and smoky. Remove and plate.
  3. Slice the Koji Salami slices for a cool contrast.

Make the dressing:

  1. Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, Birds Eye chilies and garlic.
  2. Add a splash of water if needed to thin.
  3. Taste and adjust as desired.

Assemble:

  1. Drizzle grilled romaine with dressing.
  2. Top with Koji Salami slices, and the pistachio-panko crunch.
  3. Serve immediately.
  4. Optional: add avocado or grilled corn
Author Photo

Prime Roots

Prime Roots is bringing deli meats back to the basics, with a twist: simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver incredible flavor, powered by clean plant proteins. With Prime Roots, there’s no need to choose between taste and what’s in your food. Prime Roots deli slices are sliced fresh in store, made to satisfy, with all the rich, savory flavors you expect and none of the extras you don’t. Prime Roots makes every bite as delicious, and clean, as it should be.