Welcome to my kitchen, friends! This delightful Lemon Parmesan Salad comes together in about 15 minutes, using just a few simple ingredients, all in one bowl! It’s a quick solution for those busy weeknight dinners that your family will love! And guess what? You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a great way to clean out the fridge. So whether you’ve got some sad-looking romaine or leftover veggies, this salad is a winner.
Ingredient Breakdown
Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is not just a pretty face in the salad world! It’s crunchy, nutritious, and forms the base of this salad. Feel free to use green leaf or butter lettuce if you prefer something a bit more tender. A good-sized head of romaine will give you about 8 cups when chopped.
Shallot
Shallots bring a lovely mild flavor that’s way less harsh than onions plus, they have that sophisticated vibe! One medium shallot should do the trick, giving you just the right amount of bite without overwhelming the salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sweet onion can also work!
Parmesan Cheese
Let’s talk about the star of the show: Parmesan cheese! Whether you grate it or shave it, you’ll want a generous ½ cup. It adds creamy richness and a touch of saltiness that elevates this salad from simple to spectacular. You can use pre-grated cheese, but freshly grated will give you the best flavor!
Lemon Juice
Here’s where the magic happens, fresh lemon juice! It adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the cheese. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. And hey, don’t throw away that lemon half, you can use the zest for extra flavor!
Olive Oil
A good extra-virgin olive oil is key, bringing richness and helping the dressing come together beautifully. You’ll need ¼ cup to keep everything beautifully dressed and not dripping! If you’re out of olive oil, melted butter can also give it an interesting twist.
Salt and Pepper
Ah, just a couple pinches of salt and pepper, these simple seasonings tie everything together, enhancing all those delicious flavors.
How to Make Lemon Parmesan Salad
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! Prepare to have your home smelling fresh and delicious. This recipe is so breezy, you might just find yourself making it twice a week!
Chop the Romaine: Start by chopping up the romaine lettuce. Aim for bite-sized pieces, after all, no one wants a salad that feels like a chore to eat! Toss it into a large bowl and admire that vibrant green color. (About 3 minutes.)
Slice the Shallot: Next, thinly slice the shallot. You want them to be nice and translucent, almost melting into the salad rather than overpowering it. Toss those beauties in with the romaine. (2-3 minutes.)
Grate the Parmesan: Now comes the fun part! Grab your box grater and either grate or shave the Parmesan cheese directly into the bowl. Go generous, friends, the more cheese, the better! (2 minutes max.)
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s well combined; it should smell utterly refreshing! (2 minutes.)
Dress the Salad: Now it’s time to drizzle that dressing all over your salad masterpiece. Toss everything together gently, making sure to scrape any yummy bits off the bottom of the bowl. Yum! (About 2 minutes.)
Serve Immediately: Now, dive in! This salad is best served fresh, while the lettuce is still crisp and the dressing is vibrant. (Optional: If you have extra lemon zest, sprinkle that on top for an extra zing!)
Personal Connection
I can’t tell you how much I adore this salad! It’s literally my go-to recipe when I need a quick but delicious side dish. I’m a real sucker for that burst of freshness and tanginess from the lemon paired with the salty, creamy goodness of Parmesan. The best part is, it’s one of those versatile recipes you can make with whatever greens or ingredients you have on hand. At my house, it’s the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone happy, making it a true family favorite!
If you loved this Lemon Parmesan Salad, be sure to check out my Low-Cal Chicken Taco Bowls with Avocado, my Scala Chopped Salad, or my Roasted Carrots with Pecans! Each recipe is a crowd-pleaser, just waiting to adorn your weeknight dinners.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 15 minutes! Seriously, whether you’re coming in from a long day at work or just need a side dish to bring to a gathering, this salad has your back. The simplicity of tossing fresh ingredients together makes it a true lifesaver!
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have! Swap the romaine for spinach, throw in some cherry tomatoes, or even add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. The options are endless, making it easy to adapt based on what you have in your fridge.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this Lemon Parmesan Salad strikes the perfect balance between creamy and refreshing. It’s the kind of dish that has you feeling good after you eat, light yet satisfying. And trust me, leftovers just get better as the flavors meld!
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With This
This salad isn’t just a standalone, you can easily pair it with grilled chicken for protein, or serve it alongside pasta dishes for a refreshing contrast. It’s also great with crusty bread, allowing you to soak up that delicious dressing!
Storage
Store any leftovers in the fridge. It’ll keep for 1-2 days, although the lettuce may lose some crunchiness. Just give it a little toss before serving!
Reheating Instructions
Though it’s not a dish you’d typically reheat, if you do have leftovers, consider placing them in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes to warm them just enough, but skip reheating entirely if you can.
Freezer Friendly:
Unfortunately, this salad isn’t freezer-friendly, fresh is the name of the game here!
If you’re looking for a salad that screams “quick and easy” while still packing tons of flavor, this Lemon Parmesan Salad is for you. It’s the type of recipe that you’ll want to keep close to your heart (and your kitchen) for those nights when you need something tasty and wholesome in a hurry!
And hey, remember to sprinkle a little zest and joy into your cooking every day! Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Lemon Parmesan Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad combining crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy Parmesan cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped Romaine Lettuce
- 1 medium Shallot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated or shaved
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- ¼ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Pinches of Salt
- Pinches of Pepper
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl. (About 3 minutes.)
- Thinly slice the shallot and add it to the bowl. (2-3 minutes.)
- Grate or shave the Parmesan cheese and add it to the salad. (2 minutes max.)
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing. (2 minutes.)
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. (About 2 minutes.)
- Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture. (Optional: Add lemon zest on top before serving.)
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days, though the lettuce may lose some crunch. Not freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
