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
Scale
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
