This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Gourmet romaine parmesan salad is a light, refreshing, delicious side to accompany any dish. This quick low-calorie salad can also be a meal by topping with your protein of choice.
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Parmesan and Lemon Chopped Salad
During the summer I don’t like to cook a lot and I am always looking for easy quick mains and sides. This chopped salad infused with lemon and fresh grated parmesan is one of my go-to’s since it can be a crispy zesty side or a wholesome filling main by just adding some grilled chicken or steak – yum!
This salad is super light and tangy, sometimes I will add toasted nuts for an extra crunch. romaine cheesy salad is perfect for potlucks since it is so simple to throw together, just be sure you wait to dress your salad until you are about to serve it.
How to Make Parmesan Chopped Salad
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce (2 heads) – Crisp and refreshing romaine lettuce forms the crunchy base of the parmesan chopped salad.
- Shallots (2) – Finely sliced shallots add a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the salad’s other ingredients.
- Lemons (2) – Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a zesty and tangy acidity, brightening the overall flavor of the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup) – High-quality olive oil creates a smooth and rich dressing that ties all the salad components together.
- Kosher salt and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) – A simple seasoning of salt and pepper enhances and balances the natural flavors of the salad.
- Red chili pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon) – A pinch of red chili pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, giving the salad a slight kick.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup) – Grated parmesan cheese brings a savory and nutty flavor, adding depth and richness to the salad.
Use this Method
Assemble the Salad. Chop the romaine lettuce with a sharp knife, put in your salad spinner or a large bowl, rinse and drain very well, or pat dry.
Make Dressing and Toss. Add the lettuce, shallots, parmesan, and lemon zest to a large salad bowl. Combine kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil in a jar and pour over the salad. Toss the parmesan salad to combine before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making Parmesan Chopped Salad
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp vegetables and high-quality Parmesan cheese ensure the best flavor and texture.
Chop Evenly: Finely chop all ingredients to ensure a consistent texture and easy mixing.
Season the Greens: Lightly season the greens with salt and pepper before adding the dressing to enhance their flavor.
Grate Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a more intense flavor and better texture than pre-packaged options.
Mix Thoroughly: Toss the salad well to ensure the dressing coats every ingredient evenly.
Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Crunch Factor: Add croutons or nuts for an additional crunchy texture that complements the crisp vegetables.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad immediately after tossing.
Keep Ingredients Cold: Refrigerate the ingredients before assembling the salad to keep everything crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Yes, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad more filling and add protein.
Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. You can also serve the dressing on the side.
Dressed salad is best eaten immediately. However, undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
Cut bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Yes, this salad is vegetarian. To make it vegan, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
What to Serve with Lemon Parmesan Chopped Salad
Grilled Chicken: Adds a protein boost and pairs well with the bright lemon flavor of the salad.
Seafood: Lightly grilled or seared fish or shrimp complement the fresh, citrusy notes of the salad.
Pasta: Simple pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio provide a hearty contrast to the light salad.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra lemon vinaigrette and adds a satisfying crunch.
White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the salad’s citrusy flavors.
Soup: A light vegetable or chicken soup complements the salad without overwhelming it.
Roasted Vegetables: Adds a warm, earthy component that contrasts nicely with the fresh, zesty salad.
Prosciutto: The salty, savory flavor of prosciutto pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemon and rich Parmesan.
Quiche: A slice of quiche adds a rich, savory element that balances the lightness of the salad.
Fruit: Fresh fruit like berries or melon provide a sweet contrast to the savory and tangy flavors of the salad.
Beef Tenderloin – Nothing better than tender delicious beef tenderloin with your parmesan and romaine salad.
Try these main dishes with your salad:
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Follow on Instagram
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Romaine Parmesan Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt and black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions
- To make the parmesan chopped salad: Chop the romaine lettuce with a sharp knife, put in your salad spinner or a large bowl, rinse and drain very well, or pat dry.
- Add the lettuce, shallots, parmesan, and lemon zest to a large salad bowl. Combine sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil in a jar and pour over the salad. Toss the parmesan salad to combine before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
