Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a salad that’s been the game-changer in my life. If you love a good Caesar salad but crave something lighter, then get ready for this. Lemon Parmesan Salad. What are some of the best salad dressings for romaine lettuce? Is it fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to whip up? I stumbled upon this recipe years ago, and it’s become a staple, especially during the holidays. I want something that won’t weigh me down during the warmer months. What is the best part? Even my picky eater loves it! What is the perfect balance of Parmesan and lemon? Is it pure magic?
What is lemon parmesan salad?
Think of Lemon Parmesan Salad as the sunnier, zestier cousin of Caesar salad. What is a salad made with romaine lettuce and shaved Parmesan? Where does magic happen? Instead of a creamy, anchovy-laden dressing, we’re using tangy, lemony vinaigrette that’s so easy to make. How do you whisk together ingredients? What’s not to like: lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. I swear, it’s like sunshine in a bowl! Lemon and Parmesan are the stars, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and delicious. What is the perfect side dish for lunch? What is the kind of salad that makes you feel good from the inside out?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some good reasons to make Lemon Parmesan Salad?flavorIs it out of this world? The lemon dressing perfectly complements the salty Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors. What are the flavors that will have your taste buds singing? What I love about it is that it’s not heavy or cloying, like some other salads can be. Is it light, bright, and incredibly refreshing?simplicityWhat is the selling point of this recipe? Is it necessary to whip up a batch of Ice Cream in 10 minutes? What is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the house? Thirdly, it’s incrediblycost-effectiveRomaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese are both relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have them. What is the rest of the dressing ingredients in your pantry?versatilityWhat makes this salad so good? Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish? What are some good chickpea recipes? I’ve even tossed in some cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra texture and flavor. What can I make with this Caprese salad on a hot summer evening? This one is a bit more virtuous, you know?
How do I make lemon parmesan salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make lemon parmesan salad? First, you’ll whisk together the lemon vinaigrette. What is the best way to toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing and Parmesan cheese? What’s the best part? This whole process takes less than 10 minutes. I don’t have time to cook. It’s a lifesaver. Is there really a need for fancy ingredients to make this salad? What is the best way to create something truly delicious?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
* 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved (I like to use a vegetable peeler to get nice, thin shavings)
* Optional: croutons, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
What is the recipe for lemon vinaigr
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce
Start by washing the romaine lettuce thoroughly. I like to use a salad spinner to make sure it’s completely dry, otherwise, the dressing won’t cling to it. What is the best way to cut lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the lemon vinaigrette. Serve immediately. Do not overdress the salad, you just want to coat it lightly. I always start with a little dressing and add more as needed. Is it easier to add more than to take it away?
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Add the Parmesan cheese to the salad and toss to combine. I love using a vegetable peeler to create thin shavings of Parmesan, but you can also use melted cheese. grater if you prefer.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve Lemon Parmesan Salad immediately. If you’re adding any optional toppings like croutons, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken, now is the time to add them. What is the right time to do it?
What should I serve it with?
Lemon Parmesan Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes.What is a good light lunch? Serve it on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the dressing.
As a side dish:What are the best accompaniments to grilled chicken, fish, or steak? I also love serving it with pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or Lemon Chicken Pasta.For a potluck or BBQ: This salad is always a crowd-pleaser and travels well. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
What are some healthy snacks?I often find myself just grabbing a bowl of this salad for quick and healthy snack in the morning. Is it refreshing? My family always requests this salad when we have grilled salmon or chicken. Is it just a matter of time before the two work together?
How do I make Lemon Parmesan Salad?
What are some tricks to take this Lemon Parmesan Salad to the next level?Lettuce Prep:Make sure your romaine lettuce is completely dry before adding the dressing. If the dressing doesn’t cling properly, the salad will be soggy. I swear by my salad spinner!Dressing ConsistencyDon’t be afraid to adjust dressing to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup. If you like it more tangy, add a little extra lemon juice.Parmesan: AHow do you use Parmesan cheese in salads? I always buy a block of Parmesan and shave it myself, rather than buying the pre-shredded stuff.Garlic Intensity: If you don’t like a strong garlic flavor, you can use a garlic press to mince the garlic instead of chopping it. This will release less of the garlic’s oils, resulting in a milder flavor.
Serving Time: Serve the salad immediately after dressing it. Otherwise, the lettuce will start to wilt, and the salad won’t be as crisp and refreshing.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of lettuce. Butter lettuce or spring mix would also work well in this salad. You could also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or red onion. One time I tried using a Balsamic Vinaigrette instead of lemon, and while it wasn’t the same, it was still pretty darn good.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Lemon Parmesan Salad is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Undressed Lettuce: If you know you’re going to have leftovers, only dress the amount of salad you plan to eat right away. Store the undressed lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Dressing Storage: Store the lemon vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Dressed Salad: Dressed salad is best eaten within a few hours, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Just be aware that the lettuce will start to wilt over time.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the lettuce will become soggy when thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: Don’t even think about it. This isn’t that kind of recipe!
Basically, enjoy it fresh for the best results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Parmesan Salad is a total winner in my book. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The zesty lemon dressing and salty Parmesan cheese create a perfect balance that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect light lunch or side dish for any occasion. I truly hope you give this recipe a try! It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too. If you love this salad, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Share your variations in the comments below!
Lemon Parmesan Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 oz mixed greens
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes
- 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
