Charred little gem with saffron dressing
This recipe with charred little gem is both easy to make and sure to impress guests. It's the perfect side for fresh spring menus

This dish takes little gem lettuce in an unexpected direction, grilling it quickly over high heat to create a contrast between smoky charred edges and a crisp, cool core. The key is to keep the heat high and the cooking time short so the lettuce sears rather than wilts.
Make sure your grill pan is properly hot before you begin, and coat the cut sides lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
The saffron dressing, with its golden hue and gentle depth, brings a fragrant richness that complements the char without overpowering the freshness of the greens. An ideal side for both lamb and fish, and an easy addition to an Easter menu.
Ingredients
- Serves 6
- Pinch of saffron strands
- 1 egg yolk
- ⅓ cup mild olive oil, plus extra for coating lettuce
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 little gem lettuces, halved lengthwise
The Homes & Gardens method
1. To make the saffron dressing, place the saffron in a small bowl and pour over 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk. Slowly start adding the olive oil, a little at a time, whisking continuously until about half is incorporated.
3. Add the lemon juice and continue whisking in the remaining oil.
4. Stir in the saffron water and crushed garlic. Add a little more water if needed to thin the mixture to a dressing consistency. Season with salt to taste.
5. Char the lettuces. Lightly coat the cut sides of the little gem halves with olive oil.
7. Heat a grill pan over high heat until smoking.
8. Place the lettuces cut-side down and cook for 1–2 minutes until charred. Flip and char the outer sides for another minute or two.
9. Transfer to a serving platter (we love the classic simplicity of this Juliska Berry & Thread serving platter from Wayfair), season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the saffron dressing. Serve any extra dressing on the side.
Serve warm and be sure to supply plenty of extra dressing on the side. It makes a chic addition to any spring table (charred little gem is very on trend) and pairs especially well with simple grilled meats or fish.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Alice Hart is a food writer and recipe developer, working across a wide variety of media, from magazines to books. Alice’s recipe books are based on wholesome produce and seasonal eating, and while she takes a balanced approach, using wholefoods and vegetables wherever possible, she also finds joy in an excellent cake. Alice is also invested in sports nutrition and is a Level 3 personal trainer, a seasoned endurance sports competitor and a trained chef.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
5 things you should never, ever put in a small entryway, according to design experts
Is your hallway feeling like a real squash and a squeeze? You may be falling victim to one of these common mistakes
-
Wild gardening is the standout trend for 2025 – an urban garden designer reveals the low-maintenance trick to perfecting the look
Known for their signature wild gardening style, design duo Bart Haverkamp and Pieter Croes take a low-maintenance approach to creating spectacular urban oases
-
Garlic and herb flatbreads – a family favorite I couldn't live without
This recipe makes 9 small flatbreads, perfect for sharing at gatherings, pairing with dips, or serving alongside your favorite dishes
-
Artichoke, olive and Parma ham pizza with an egg on top – a delicious favorite that is hard to beat
A celebration of bold flavor and simple, good-quality ingredients – this artichoke, olive and Parma ham pizza is an elevated take on an Italian classic
-
Alsace-style tarte flambée
This perfectly crisp tart, topped with onions, lardons and crème fraîche is a recipe for effortless entertaining, French-style
-
Cherry tomato and basil oil focaccia
This focaccia is a show-stopping starter that will bring rustic charm and bold flavor for relaxed entertaining
-
Pizza Bianco
This indulgent twist on a classic pizza that puts cheese front and center is perfect for sharing – no sauce, just pure, creamy indulgence
-
The best ever pizza dough and quick tomato sauce recipes – all you need for beautiful bases
Master the foundation of a perfect Italian-style pizza with this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade dough and rich tomato sauce
-
Mother's Day baking recipes – elegant, yet easy ways to celebrate
Planning a lazy lunch or afternoon tea for a special celebration? These bakes are stunning yet oh-so-simple
-
Celebration lemon cake
Dress this cake up for special occasions with seasonal or edible flowers, slices of fresh or candied fruit or macarons