Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad

$- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves The key to this Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad lies in its fresh ingredients. Start with mixed greens for a colorful base. I really enjoy using spinach, arugula, and romaine together. The mix gives a great texture. Next, I add cherry tomatoes. Halving them lets their sweet juice mix well with the dressing. For crunch, I thinly slice a cucumber. This keeps the salad light and refreshing. Adding red onion brings a sharp note that balances the flavors. Now, let’s talk about cheese. I use shaved Parmesan for its nutty taste. It melts slightly into the greens, making each bite rich and savory. Dressing is key too. I combine extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This gives the salad a bright flavor. I add honey for a hint of sweetness. Finally, a dash of salt and pepper enhances everything. To finish, I sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. They add an aromatic touch that makes the salad pop. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a fresh, tasty dish you’ll love! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of mixed greens. Use a blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine for color and crunch. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They add a fresh burst of flavor. Then, slice 1 medium cucumber into thin rounds and add it to the bowl. Finally, include 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a hint of sharpness. Gently toss everything to mix well. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright flavor. Then add 1 teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Season this mix with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Now it’s time to bring it all together! Drizzle the dressing over your salad base. Use tongs to toss everything gently. Make sure all the veggies get coated in the dressing. After that, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese on top for a nutty richness. Give it a light toss again to distribute the cheese evenly. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it right away, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch! To make Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad shine, start with fresh greens. Look for a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine. This blend gives great texture and taste. For tomatoes, choose ripe cherry ones. They should feel firm and smell sweet. This adds a fresh burst of flavor. When picking cucumbers, look for a firm one. Thin slices will keep the crunch. Red onion adds a hint of sharpness. Opt for the freshest you can find. You can easily make this salad your own. Want more protein? Add cooked chicken for heartiness. Chickpeas are a great plant-based option too. They add protein and fiber. You can also throw in nuts or seeds for a crunch. Think sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. These additions make the salad filling and fun. The dressing ties everything together. Start with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness. If you like it sweeter, mix in a teaspoon of honey. Taste the dressing. Adjust the acidity or sweetness if needed. A pinch of salt and black pepper will enhance the flavors. Whisk until it's smooth, then drizzle over your salad. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, organic vegetables and herbs to elevate the flavor profile of your salad. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix different types of greens like kale or frisée for added texture and flavor variety. Make It Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp. Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the classic Parmesan flavor. {{image_4}} You can brighten your Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad with seasonal berries or nuts. In summer, add juicy strawberries or blueberries. They add natural sweetness and color. Walnuts or almonds give a nice crunch, too. Just sprinkle a handful on top for a tasty twist. Cheese is key in the salad, and you can switch it up. Feta cheese adds a creamy tang. Use crumbled feta instead of Parmesan for a different flavor. Goat cheese also works well. It’s soft and rich, making the salad feel extra special. Try new flavors with different dressings. Swap the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar. It gives a sweet and tangy kick. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can boost the taste. Just mix them in with the dressing for a fresh twist. To store your Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad, use an airtight container. Make sure to keep the salad and dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep the greens crisp. If you mix them together, the greens may become soggy. The salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 1 to 2 days. After that, the greens may wilt, and the flavors can fade. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the salad looks brown or smells off, it is best to toss it. If your salad becomes wilted, you can revive it! Rinse the greens in cold water and gently dry them with a paper towel. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top to bring back some brightness. Toss the salad lightly and serve it immediately. This method can help bring some life back to your leftovers! To make this salad vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add nuts or seeds for more texture. This way, you keep the salad tasty and plant-based. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. Just mix the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week. Just remember to shake it again before using. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or chickpeas for protein. You can also serve it with crusty bread or as a side for pasta. It complements the flavors nicely and makes a complete meal. To store leftover dressing, keep it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week. If you see separation, just shake it up before using. This keeps it ready for your next salad! This salad blends fresh greens, veggies, and a simple dressing. You can customize it to fit your taste. Use seasonal ingredients for variety. Store your leftovers wisely to keep them fresh longer. With simple steps, you can create a tasty and healthy meal. Remember, a good salad starts with quality ingredients. Enjoy your delicious creation, and share it with friends and family!$

A fresh and vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon Parmesan dressing.

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Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
to taste salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
to taste fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, then gently toss everything together with tongs to ensure all the vegetables are well coated in the dressing.
Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Lightly toss again to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the salad.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves to enhance both the flavor and presentation.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Keyword fresh, lemon, Parmesan, quick, salad