Anchovies brings briny savory depth that contrasts with lettuce, romaine's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
lettuce, romaine
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
The upright, crisp, elongated lettuce with substantial crunch, mild bitterness, and a firm rib that provides texture — the essential lettuce for Caesar salad a…
58 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Romaine (cos) lettuce has a uniquely sturdy structure for a lettuce — the thick central rib retains its crunch even after washing and dressing, making it the best-performing lettuce in dressed salads that sit for any length of time. The outer dark-green leaves have more bitterness and less sweetness than the inner pale-yellow heart; romaine hearts (sold trimmed) provide the most balanced flavor. Caesar salad's design — assertive anchovy-garlic-Parmesan dressing against the crisp, slightly bitter romaine — exploits the lettuce's ability to stand up to a bold dressing without wilting or losing its character. Grilled romaine (halved hearts, charred cut-side down over high heat for 2–3 minutes) creates a smoky, partially wilted preparation where the inner leaves become tender while the outer leaves caramelize — served with Caesar dressing or anchovy butter it is a revelation. The crunch of romaine in a BLT or club sandwich is irreplaceable by softer lettuces.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
anchovies
avocados
bell peppers, green
bell peppers, red
butter
caesar salad
capers
cayenne
cheese, feta
cheese, dry jack
cheese, monterey jack
cheese, parmesan
cheese, stilton
chervil
chile peppers, jalapeño
chile peppers, serrano
chives
cilantro
cream
crème fraîche
croutons
cucumbers
eggs, yolk
garlic
grapefruit
ham
leeks
lemon, juice
lime, juice
lime, zest
lovage
mayonnaise
mustard, dijon
oil, canola
oil, vegetable
olive oil
olives, kalamata
onions
parsley, flat-leaf
pepper, black
pepper, white
salt, kosher
salt, sea
shallots
sour cream
stocks, chicken
stocks, vegetable
tarragon
tomatoes
vinaigrette
vinegar, balsamic
vinegar, cider
vinegar, raspberry
vinegar, red wine
vinegar, sherry
vinegar, white wine
walnuts
worcestershire sauce
anchovies
Anchovies brings briny savory depth that contrasts with lettuce, romaine's fresher, citrusy, or vegetal notes.
avocados
Avocados complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
bell peppers, green
Bell Peppers, Green brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
bell peppers, red
Bell Peppers, Red brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
butter
Butter adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
caesar salad
Caesar Salad complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
capers
Capers complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
cayenne
Cayenne brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
cheese, feta
Cheese, Feta adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, dry jack
Cheese, Dry Jack adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, monterey jack
Cheese, Monterey Jack adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, parmesan
Cheese, Parmesan adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, stilton
Cheese, Stilton adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
chervil
Chervil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
chile peppers, jalapeño
Chile Peppers, Jalapeño brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
chile peppers, serrano
Chile Peppers, Serrano brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
chives
Chives supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
cilantro
Cilantro complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
cream
Cream adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
crème fraîche
Crème Fraîche adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
croutons
Croutons gives lettuce, romaine a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
cucumbers
Cucumbers adds complementary vegetable character, giving lettuce, romaine more contrast in texture, sweetness, bitterness, or freshness.
eggs, yolk
Eggs, Yolk complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
garlic
Garlic supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
grapefruit
Grapefruit brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
ham
Ham adds savory richness and browned depth that gives lettuce, romaine more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
leeks
Leeks supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, juice
Lime, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, zest
Lime, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lovage
Lovage adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
mayonnaise
Mayonnaise complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
mustard, dijon
Mustard, Dijon brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
oil, canola
Oil, Canola adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, vegetable
Oil, Vegetable adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
olive oil
Olive Oil adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
olives, kalamata
Olives, Kalamata complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
onions
Onions supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, Flat-Leaf adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
pepper, black
Pepper, Black brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
pepper, white
Pepper, White brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
salt, kosher
Salt, Kosher adds seasoning or sweetness that balances lettuce, romaine's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
salt, sea
Salt, Sea adds seasoning or sweetness that balances lettuce, romaine's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
shallots
Shallots supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
sour cream
Sour Cream adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, Chicken adds savory richness and browned depth that gives lettuce, romaine more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, Vegetable adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps lettuce, romaine integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
tarragon
Tarragon adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
tomatoes
Tomatoes adds complementary vegetable character, giving lettuce, romaine more contrast in texture, sweetness, bitterness, or freshness.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, balsamic
Vinegar, Balsamic adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, cider
Vinegar, Cider adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, raspberry
Vinegar, Raspberry adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, red wine
Vinegar, Red Wine adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, sherry
Vinegar, Sherry adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, white wine
Vinegar, White Wine adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
walnuts
Walnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives lettuce, romaine more contrast and substance.
worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire Sauce brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Avocados complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
bell peppers, green
Bell Peppers, Green brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
bell peppers, red
Bell Peppers, Red brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
butter
Butter adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
caesar salad
Caesar Salad complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Capers complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
cayenne
Cayenne brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Cheese, Feta adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
cheese, dry jack
Cheese, Dry Jack adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Monterey Jack adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Parmesan adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Cheese, Stilton adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuce, romaine more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Chervil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Chile Peppers, Jalapeño brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Chile Peppers, Serrano brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Chives supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
Cilantro complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
cream
Cream adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Crème Fraîche adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
croutons
Croutons gives lettuce, romaine a starchy or baked base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel more substantial.
Cucumbers adds complementary vegetable character, giving lettuce, romaine more contrast in texture, sweetness, bitterness, or freshness.
eggs, yolk
Eggs, Yolk complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Garlic supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
Grapefruit brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
Ham adds savory richness and browned depth that gives lettuce, romaine more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
Leeks supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, juice
Lime, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
lime, zest
Lime, Zest brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuce, romaine's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
Lovage adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
mayonnaise
Mayonnaise complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
mustard, dijon
Mustard, Dijon brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Oil, Canola adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
oil, vegetable
Oil, Vegetable adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
Olive Oil adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
olives, kalamata
Olives, Kalamata complements lettuce, romaine by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Onions supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, Flat-Leaf adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Pepper, Black brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Pepper, White brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
Salt, Kosher adds seasoning or sweetness that balances lettuce, romaine's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
salt, sea
Salt, Sea adds seasoning or sweetness that balances lettuce, romaine's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
Shallots supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuce, romaine's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
Sour Cream adds richness and helps carry lettuce, romaine's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, Chicken adds savory richness and browned depth that gives lettuce, romaine more weight and turns it into a heartier dish.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, Vegetable adds liquid seasoning and structure that helps lettuce, romaine integrate into a fuller dish instead of wandering around like a garnish with ambition.
Tarragon adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuce, romaine from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Tomatoes adds complementary vegetable character, giving lettuce, romaine more contrast in texture, sweetness, bitterness, or freshness.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Vinegar, Balsamic adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Vinegar, Cider adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
vinegar, raspberry
Vinegar, Raspberry adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Vinegar, Red Wine adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Vinegar, Sherry adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Vinegar, White Wine adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuce, romaine work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Walnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives lettuce, romaine more contrast and substance.
worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire Sauce brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuce, romaine's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.