Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, your go-to destination for fresh, flavorful recipes that make healthy eating both easy and joyful. If you’re tired of soggy, bland salads or heavy dressings, this Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad recipe brings crispness, brightness, and a touch of savory richness to your table.

With years of recipe crafting, I’ve perfected a salad that’s simple yet impressive with fresh crisp lettuce, zesty lemon dressing, and a sharp Parmesan finish that will become your new favorite.

Why This Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad Works

• Uses crisp, fresh lettuce to provide satisfying crunch
• Balances tangy lemon juice with rich Parmesan for a vibrant flavor
• Quick and easy to assemble, perfect for weeknights or light lunches
• Uses common, affordable ingredients
• Versatile enough as a side or base for added proteins
• Addresses the common pitfall of watery salads with a balanced dressing

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Best Lettuce and Greens:

• Romaine or butter lettuce for crispness and mild flavor
• Baby greens can add variety and more nutrition

Buying Tips:

• Look for fresh, vibrant green leaves with no wilting or browning
• Choose a good quality Parmesan wedge for grating, not pre-shredded for best flavor

Substitutions:

• Swap lemon juice with lime or white wine vinegar
• Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a sharper taste

Ingredients & Prep for Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Salad Ingredients:

• 6 cups romaine or butter lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional)

Lemon Parmesan Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan until well combined.
2. Place chopped lettuce in a large bowl; add cherry tomatoes and nuts if using.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

• Dress salad just before serving to prevent wilting
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best brightness
• Toast nuts lightly for enhanced flavor and crunch

Flavor Variations for Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Spicy Twist:

Add red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper to the dressing.

Keto/Paleo:

Keep the ingredients whole and skip nuts if sensitive.

Global Flavors:

• Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives and oregano.
• Italian: Include sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
• French: Use tarragon and shallots in dressing.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pasta dishes. Great as a light lunch or elegant starter.

FAQs

• Can I make dressing ahead? Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days, whisk before use.
• How to keep salad crisp? Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
• Is this salad vegetarian? Yes, it contains no meat.

Conclusion

This Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad brings crisp freshness and zesty richness to any meal and is easy enough for every day yet special enough for guests. Try this recipe to brighten your table and your taste buds. For more fresh recipes, visit dishfoody.com and also explore our Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup!

Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

Print Recipe

A fresh and flavorful Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad, featuring crisp lettuce, shaved Parmesan, bright lemon vinaigrette, and crunchy croutons. Perfect as a light side or healthy lunch option.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad, Light Meal
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup croutons
• For the dressing:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
• 2. In a large bowl, toss lettuce with dressing.
• 3. Top with shaved Parmesan and croutons.
• 4. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice for a zingy flavor.
• Add extra Parmesan for more richness.
• For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: lemon salad, Parmesan salad, light healthy salad, easy side dish