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Grilled Escarole

This grilled escarole recipe offers a sophisticated twist on a sturdy leafy green. Often used in soups or stews, escarole takes on a wonderful depth when exposed to the direct heat of a grill or frying pan. The outer leaves char slightly, creating a subtle bitterness that is perfectly balanced by the rich, fruity notes of extra-virgin olive oil and the sharp, salty punch of crushed green olives.

As a versatile vegan side dish, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or crusty sourdough bread. Whether you are cooking over charcoal for a traditional smoky finish or using a grill pan on the hob, this dish is a quick and healthy way to introduce more greens into your diet. Serve it warm to fully appreciate the contrasting textures and vibrant Mediterranean flavours.

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Ingredients for Grilled Escarole

  • 1 head escarole, outer leaves removed and saved, thoroughly washed

  • Extra-virgin olive oil

  • Coarse salt

  • 120ml pitted, crushed green olives

How to make Grilled Escarole

Get your grill going. If you’re using charcoal, you’re looking for a not-too-hot fire (I like to think of the coals as being “soft,” which is to say they should be halfway through burning). If you’re using a gas grill, set the heat to medium. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, set it over medium-low heat.

Shake the escarole dry. Cut it lengthwise straight through the core into 4 wedges. Drizzle each wedge with plenty of olive oil, about 1 1/2 tablespoons per wedge, and season aggressively with salt. Grill the wedges, turning only once, until wilted and charred in spots, about 10 minutes altogether.

Transfer the escarole to a serving platter, give it a healthy drizzle of olive oil, and scatter the olives over the top. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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