Description
This 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad is a quick and refreshing dish featuring crisp romaine lettuce, sharp Parmesan cheese, and bright lemon zest. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish for dinner parties. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this salad is both satisfying and easy to make, playing on the fresh, tangy flavors elevated by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 romaine hearts, washed, dried, and chopped (about 8 cups)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing & Seasoning
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, thinly sliced onion, finely grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined and the dressing coats the greens well.
- Season to taste: Taste the salad and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired. For added brightness, you can also add a bit more lemon juice. Toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan imparts better texture and flavor than pre-packaged versions, blending more smoothly with the dressing.
- Chill the Lettuce: For an extra crunch, refrigerate the chopped romaine for 15-20 minutes before assembling the salad.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to taste and tweak the seasoning by adding more lemon juice for extra brightness or additional Parmesan for richness.
