This Quick Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad is a fresh and zesty dish that’s perfect for a light meal or side. Crisp lettuce meets tangy lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delightful crunch!
The best part? It’s super quick to whip up! Just toss everything together in a bowl, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy salad that brightens any meal. Who knew greens could taste this good? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This crisp lettuce adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find romaine, you can use other varieties like butter lettuce or even mixed greens for a different texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great flavor and nutrients. Baby kale can be a tasty substitute if you want something heartier.
Red Onion: The thin slices provide a mild bite. Sweet onions or green onions (scallions) work well if you prefer a milder taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the salad with a sharp flavor. Pecorino Romano can be substituted if you want a stronger cheese, while nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.
Dijon Mustard: This adds depth to the dressing. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard works in a pinch, or you can leave it out for a simpler dressing.
How Do I Make a Salad Dressing that Sticks?
Creating a good salad dressing is key to making sure all the ingredients shine! Follow these simple steps to ensure it sticks well:
- Start with an acid (like lemon juice) and oil in a 1:2 ratio. This helps emulsify the dressing.
- In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the Dijon mustard (if using) until combined. Then slowly add in the olive oil while whisking.
- Include seasonings such as salt and pepper. This helps brighten the flavors!
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to coat every leaf evenly.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the flavors as you go! A squeeze more lemon or a pinch of salt can take your salad to the next level.
Quick Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to toss together, making it perfect for a busy day or a last-minute side!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped spinach, and sliced red onion. Give them a gentle toss to mix the greens together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the dressing looks smooth.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the lemon dressing over the salad greens. Toss all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that every leaf gets coated with that delicious dressing.
4. Add the Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad. Give it a gentle toss once more to mix in the cheese, ensuring it’s distributed throughout the salad.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad. If you feel it needs more seasoning, add in a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up!
6. Serve Fresh:
Enjoy this salad right away as a zesty side dish or as a light meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or whatever you’re having!
Delight in the freshness of your Quick Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad! It’s a simple yet tasty way to enjoy your greens!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine and spinach are great choices, you can substitute with other types like butter lettuce, mixed greens, or even arugula for a peppery kick. Just make sure to choose fresh, crisp leaves!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
It’s best to enjoy this salad immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the lettuce will become soggy over time due to the dressing, so it’s better to dress only what you plan to eat right away.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, or even nuts and seeds for crunch. Just be mindful of how they might affect the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives to Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well to provide a similar cheesy taste without the dairy!
