This Quick Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad is fresh and zesty! With crisp lettuce, a drizzle of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a breeze to make and super tasty.
I love how refreshing this salad is—it’s a perfect side dish or a light meal. Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up. Who doesn’t love a quick fix that makes you feel like a chef? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine offers a nice crunch. You can substitute it with iceberg lettuce or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor. I love the sturdiness of romaine since it holds up well with the dressing.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nutritious boost. If you don’t have it on hand, baby kale or arugula can work too. Baby kale will add a heartier taste, while arugula brings a peppery touch.
Red Onion: It gives a strong flavor kick. If red onion is too sharp for your taste, use sweet onion or shallots instead. You can even omit it entirely if you prefer a milder salad.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a similar cheesy taste. I like a good sprinkle of Parmesan—it really elevates the salad!
Olive Oil: This salad dressing is simple with olive oil, but you could use avocado oil or a flavored oil like garlic-infused for an extra zing.
How Do You Make the Best Dressing for Your Salad?
Creating a great dressing is key to a delicious salad. Start by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, and your chosen extras. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor—bottled juice just isn’t the same.
- If you’re adding Dijon mustard, it helps emulsify the dressing, making it creamy.
- Adjust the sweetness with honey or maple syrup to balance out the tang from the lemon.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Taste the dressing before pouring it on your salad; you can always tweak it.
With these tips, your dressing will be balanced, and your salad will be a hit!
Quick Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy day or when you need a fresh side dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
Start by washing and chopping the romaine lettuce and spinach leaves. Make sure they’re nice and crisp! Once they’re washed, place them into a large salad bowl where they can shine.
2. Slice the Onion:
Next, take your red onion and slice it thinly. Adding this to the bowl with the greens brings a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness. Just toss it right in there with the lettuce!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), honey or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Whisk it well until everything is blended nicely. This zesty dressing will bring all the flavors together!
4. Combine the Salad:
Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad greens. Toss gently to ensure that every leaf is coated with that delicious dressing!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Give it a light toss once more to distribute the cheese without breaking everything up too much.
6. Finish with a Kick:
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. It’s optional but adds a nice little zing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately while it’s fresh and crisp. It makes a fantastic side dish or a light meal. Enjoy your healthy and refreshing Quick Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While romaine and spinach are delicious, feel free to substitute with other greens like arugula, kale, or mixed salad greens. Experimenting with different greens can add varied textures and flavors!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the salad greens and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. However, wait to add the dressing and cheese until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute that will give you a similar cheesy flavor. Alternatively, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can also work well!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
For best quality, store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep in mind it’s best enjoyed fresh. If it does sit, the greens may wilt due to the dressing. You can separate the greens and dressing to keep them crisp!
