Parmesan Chopped Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Parmesan Chopped Salad is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. Crisp romaine, sharp parmesan, and a zesty lemon dressing come together for a refreshing and easy-to-make salad.
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 and 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, then place it in a salad spinner or large bowl. Rinse well and drain thoroughly, or pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- 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 you like a bit of heat, stir in the crushed red chili pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Add cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness and color.
- For a creamier dressing, whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a small spoonful of mayonnaise.
- If you prefer a milder crunch, substitute romaine with butter lettuce or mixed greens.
Storage
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep it crisp. Reheat is not recommended as this is best served fresh.
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 butter lettuce, iceberg, or mixed greens depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Make sure to dry the lettuce thoroughly before assembling the salad and add the dressing only right before serving to maintain crispness.
PrintParmesan Chopped Salad Recipe
A fresh and zesty Parmesan Chopped Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tangy lemon, and savory parmesan cheese, tossed with a simple olive oil dressing for a light and flavorful meal or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 to 2 hearts of romaine lettuce
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
Dressing Ingredients
- 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)
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 under cold water, and then drain very well or pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped lettuce, thinly sliced shallots, finely grated parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and optional crushed red chili pepper flakes. Shake or whisk well to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the Parmesan Chopped Salad immediately to enjoy its crisp texture and bright flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the lettuce is well dried to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Adjust the amount of parmesan cheese to your taste preference for a lighter or stronger cheesy flavor.
- Crushed red chili flakes are optional but add a pleasant mild heat to the salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not stored for too long to maintain crispness.
- You can substitute lemon juice with a mild vinegar like white wine vinegar if preferred.
Keywords: Parmesan Salad, Chopped Salad, Romaine Lettuce Salad, Lemon Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Vegetarian Salad
