Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad is a bright, tangy, and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Combining crisp Romaine lettuce with zesty lemon dressing and savory parmesan, it’s simple yet packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large bag pre-washed Romaine lettuce (about 6 cups), chopped
- ¼ cup thin-sliced red onion
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of two lemons
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, grated parmesan cheese, sliced red onion, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to the salad.
- Swap out parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor, avoiding bottled juice if possible.
Storage
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Leftover dressed salad may become soggy if stored for longer. Reheating is not recommended for this salad.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute Romaine with other crisp lettuces like iceberg or butter lettuce, though the texture and taste will vary slightly.
How can I make the dressing sweeter or less tangy?
Adjust the honey to your taste to increase sweetness or add less lemon juice for a milder tang. You can also balance flavors with a pinch of sugar if needed.
PrintLemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad Recipe
This Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad is a fresh, zesty, and flavorful dish featuring crisp Romaine lettuce tossed with a tangy lemon dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a quick and easy salad perfect as a starter or side for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large bag pre-washed Romaine lettuce (about 6 cups), chopped
- ¼ cup thin-sliced red onion
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of two lemons
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Prepare the salad base: Place the chopped Romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, thin-sliced red onion, and crushed red pepper flakes into a large salad bowl.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best citrus flavor in the dressing.
- The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat; adjust the quantity to your preference or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood for a light meal.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or croutons.
Keywords: lemon parmesan salad, romaine lettuce salad, easy salad recipe, fresh lemon dressing, parmesan cheese salad
