Description
A quick and refreshing Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad that combines crisp romaine, sharp parmesan, and a zesty lemon dressing for a delightful side or light meal in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups Romaine Lettuce (pre-washed for convenience)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked Pepper to taste
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 each Lemon Juice and Zest (fresh lemons yield the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, honey (or maple syrup), a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Prepare the Lettuce and Onion: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
- Add Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes over the lettuce and onion. Toss gently to evenly distribute these ingredients without bruising the lettuce.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared lemon dressing over the salad mixture, then toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad straight away to enjoy the crisp texture of the lettuce and the fresh vibrant flavors of the dressing.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor; pre-grated cheese may have additives that reduce taste quality.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
