Get Ready for Week 1: Shopping & Prep for Grilled Romaine Salad

This week’s starter is all about elegance made simple — the Grilled Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing and Dried Cherries. Crisp, smoky romaine hearts paired with creamy, tangy dressing and sweet dried cherries are sure to impress.

To make your week stress-free, here’s your shopping list and prep-ahead guide:

Shopping List (Serves 4):

• 12 romaine hearts

• 1/2–3/4 cup gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles

• 6 oz sour cream

• 4 oz mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp granulated garlic

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp pineapple juice

• 1/4 cup dried cherries

• 2–3 tbsp bacon-flavored olive oil

• Balsamic glaze (simmer sugar + balsamic vinegar until syrupy)

Prep-Ahead Tips:

• Mix the blue cheese dressing 1–2 days ahead — flavors deepen with chilling.

• Wash, halve, and store romaine hearts in an airtight container for easy assembly.

• Measure cherries and balsamic glaze in advance so plating is quick and effortless.

• Consider chilling plates briefly before serving for a polished presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Salad:

• Quick to assemble, yet visually stunning

• Perfectly balanced flavors: smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet

• A fresh, elegant starter that elevates any meal

Stay tuned for the next post— the full step-by-step recipe for the salad, plus your opportunity to download the entire March 2026 Meal Plan PDF with all recipes, shopping lists, and prep tips for the month.

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