Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad is a bright and refreshing side dish perfect for any meal. Crisp romaine and red leaf lettuce are tossed with a zesty lemon dressing, savory parmesan, and a hint of spice for a simple yet flavorful salad.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 1 bundle red leaf lettuce
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes, or Aleppo pepper for a milder taste (optional)
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop the romaine and red leaf lettuce and place them in a salad spinner or a large bowl. Rinse thoroughly and drain well. For extra crispness, pat the lettuce dry with paper towels and refrigerate briefly if time allows.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, thinly sliced shallots, and lemon zest.
- Step 3: Season with kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss everything together gently to coat the greens evenly.
- Step 4: Add the finely grated parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper if using. Toss once more before serving immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- For a creamier twist, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Substitute parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper taste.
- Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for crunch.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes entirely or use Aleppo pepper.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The lettuce is best enjoyed fresh, as it may wilt over time. Keep the dressing separate if possible and dress just before serving to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?
Yes, this salad works well with a variety of crisp lettuces like butter lettuce, iceberg, or green leaf.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp. Prepare the base salad and store it refrigerated, then toss with dressing and cheese when ready to serve.
PrintLemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad Recipe
A refreshing and zesty Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad featuring crisp romaine and red leaf lettuce, brightened with lemon zest and juice, tossed with shallots and finished with a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese. This simple, flavorful salad is perfect as a light side dish or a quick, healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Greens
- 1 to 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 1 bundle red leaf lettuce
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper (optional, to taste)
Cheese
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Chop the romaine and red leaf lettuce and place them in a salad spinner or a large bowl. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and drain very well. For extra crispness, pat the lettuce dry with paper towels and if time allows, wrap it in paper towels and refrigerate briefly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the dried lettuce, thinly sliced shallots, and lemon zest. This creates the fresh base for the salad.
- Season and Dress: Add kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil to the bowl. Toss everything well to ensure the leaves are evenly coated with the bright, tangy dressing.
- Add Cheese and Spice: Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper for a milder heat) over the salad. Toss gently again to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For crispier lettuce, refrigerate wrapped lettuce for 30 minutes after washing and drying.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum brightness and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami richness – feel free to adjust the quantity based on your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh and does not keep well once dressed due to the lettuce wilting.
Keywords: Lemon Parmesan Salad, Romaine Lettuce Salad, Easy Lettuce Salad, Lemon Dressing Salad, Healthy Side Dish
