What Is Romaine Lettuce? Plus the Best Romaine Caesar Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a type of head lettuce that is typically deep green with elongated leaves. Known for its mild flavor and crisp texture, it has sturdy leaves that make it more tolerant to heat than other lettuce varieties. It is most commonly used as salad greens, although it can also be grilled and sautéed. In recent years, romaine has become a grilling staple along with other vegetables.

In North America, romaine is often sold as “hearts” that have the outer leaves removed for convenience. The majority of leaf lettuce in the United States is grown in California, but because of a E. coli outbreaks, romaine lettuce now also comes from winter growing regions, such as the Imperial Valley region of California, desert region of Arizona in and around Yuma, and Florida.

Romaine is a heart-healthy green leaf with vitamin C and beta-carotene working together to prevent cholesterol build-up. Romaine is also a rich source of folic acid (b vitamin) and potassium, which may be useful in lowering high blood pressure.

According to the USDA, one cup of shredded romaine lettuce has only 8 calories, making it an ideal low calorie food. Healthcare professionals recommend adding leafy greens to a daily diet to add healthful minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous.

1. 1. Remove any wilted or discolored leaves.
2. 2. Rinse the romaine under cold running water, separating the leaves gently with fingers to allow water to flow in between.
3. 3. Dry off any excess moisture with paper towels and place on a cutting board.
4. 4. Using a sharp knife, trim away the root end, while leaving enough to hold the leaves together. It’s now ready to use whole, quartered, or chopped.
5. 5. Cut across the leaves at two-inch intervals, making bite-sized pieces.
6. 6. Leftover greens can be wrapped in moist paper towels, and refrigerated in a plastic bag.

1. 1. Nicoise salad. A classic French salad packed with romaine, potatoes, green beans, olives, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a vinaigrette.
2. 2. Chopped Greek Salad. Chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, red onions, fresh parsley, and feta cheese with a red wine vinaigrette.
3. 3. Chinese Chicken Salad. Shredded romaine, red cabbage, carrots, chicken, green onions, almonds, and mandarin oranges with a ginger dressing.
4. 4. California Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Chili-lime grilled shrimp with creamy avocado slices, romaine, and lime dressing.
5. 5. Mediterranean Falafel Lettuce Wraps. Baked falafel with baby tomatoes, red onions, and tahini sauce, wrapped in romaine lettuce leaves.
6. 6. Vietnamese Seared Steak Lettuce Wraps. Grilled flank steak served with cucumber-ginger sauce. Wrapped in romaine lettuce leaves and finished with roasted peanuts and mint leaves.
7. 7. Grilled Head of Romaine. Hearts of romaine lettuce, brushed with an herb vinaigrette, then grilled, cut side down. Serve whole or chopped and combined into a salad.
8. 8. Sausage-Stuffed Romaine. Sautéed sausage with a spiced herbed rice mixture, filled and rolled into blanched romaine leaves.
9. 9. Beef and Romaine Stir-Fry. Short ribs marinated in a soy and vinegar mixture, then stir-fried with ginger, scallions, and romaine.