Parmesan Chopped Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Parmesan Chopped Salad is a fresh and flavorful side that highlights crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy lemon dressing and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to prepare, yet packed with bright, savory flavors perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop the romaine lettuce with a sharp knife into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a salad spinner or a large bowl, rinse thoroughly, then drain and dry well to remove excess water.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, thinly sliced shallots, grated Parmesan, and lemon zest.
- Step 3: In a small jar or bowl, mix the Kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. If desired, add crushed red chili pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use a salad spinner to ensure the lettuce is dry, which helps the dressing cling better and prevents sogginess.
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper, saltier cheese.
- Add toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Because the lettuce can become soggy, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Reheat 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 a spring mix, though romaine’s texture and slight bitterness balance well with the dressing and cheese.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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Parmesan Chopped Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Parmesan Chopped Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tangy lemon, shallots, and a rich parmesan cheese dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light meal or a vibrant side dish, combining fresh ingredients with a zesty and savory finish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 to 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce using a sharp knife. Place the chopped lettuce in a salad spinner or a large bowl. Rinse thoroughly, then drain well or pat dry to remove excess water, ensuring a crisp salad base.
- Mix the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped and dried romaine lettuce, thinly sliced shallots, grated parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. This mixture provides a fresh and flavorful foundation.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice from the zested lemons, optional crushed red chili pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil. Close the jar tightly and shake well to emulsify and blend the flavors evenly.
- Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the salad with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and zesty flavors.
Notes
- Using a salad spinner helps to dry the lettuce thoroughly, preventing a soggy salad.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- The crushed red chili pepper flakes are optional and add a subtle heat; omit if sensitive to spice.
- For a more robust salad, add grilled chicken or crispy bacon (optional additions not included in the base recipe).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: parmesan salad, chopped salad, romaine lettuce salad, lemon dressing, easy salad recipe
