This crunchy salad is a tasty mix of fresh greens, zesty lemons, and savory Parmesan cheese. The bright flavors make every bite refreshing and fun!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of that crispy crunch and cheesy goodness! Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Who knew salad could be this exciting? 🥗
Making it is a breeze too! Just toss the ingredients together, and you’ve got a vibrant dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is the base of your salad for a crunchy texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use iceberg lettuce for a similar crispness or butter lettuce for a softer feel.
Kale: Adding kale boosts the salad’s nutrition. If kale isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with spinach or arugula for a milder flavor.
Radicchio: This ingredient adds color and a hint of bitterness. If you want to skip it, try using red cabbage for a similar visual appeal without the bitter taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the salad’s richness. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you want a stronger flavor. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
Croutons: You can make your own croutons at home or use store-bought ones. For a gluten-free version, go for croutons made from gluten-free bread.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Lemon?
Using lemon is key for brightness in this salad. To get the most juice and flavor, you can roll the lemon firmly on the countertop before slicing. This helps break down the membranes and releases more juice!
- Slice the lemon thinly, removing any seeds for a clean presentation.
- Juice half the lemon and drizzle this over the salad for extra zing.
- Feel free to add more lemon juice to reach your desired level of tartness.
By closely following these tips, you’ll enhance the freshness and flavor of Nana’s Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad while keeping it light and enjoyable!
How to Make Nana’s Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup kale leaves, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup radicchio leaves, washed and chopped (optional, for color and slight bitterness)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus juice of half a lemon)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for sprinkling on croutons)
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this lovely salad. That’s just enough time to chop, mix, and toss together all the delicious ingredients!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
Start by taking a large salad bowl. Combine the chopped romaine, kale, and radicchio leaves. Give them a gentle toss to mix them together for a colorful base.
2. Add Zesty Lemon:
Now, add the thin lemon slices right to the greens. They will give the salad a fresh and zesty citrus flavor that’s essential for this dish.
3. Dressing the Salad:
Drizzle the salad with the juice of half a lemon and the olive oil. Use your hands or salad tongs to toss everything together gently, ensuring all the greens are lightly coated with the dressing.
4. Season It Up:
Next, take your salt and fresh ground black pepper, and sprinkle them evenly over the salad. This will enhance all the flavors beautifully!
5. Mix in the Croutons:
Time for crunch! Add the croutons to the salad. Sprinkle a bit of paprika over them to add a subtle smoky flavor. Toss lightly to make sure the croutons mix in without breaking apart.
6. Add the Parmesan:
Generously grate Parmesan cheese all over the salad, allowing the cheese to melt into the flavors. Reserve a little for garnish later if you like!
7. Final Toss:
Gently toss the salad again to mix all the ingredients without bruising the greens. We want them to stay crisp and attractive!
8. Serve Immediately:
Your crunchy lemon parmesan salad is ready to go! Serve it immediately to enjoy the maximum crunch and zesty flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a refreshing light meal!
This salad is all about freshness with its crisp greens, tangy lemon notes, and savory Parmesan. The crunchy croutons add a delightful texture, making each bite a pleasure!
Can I Use Different Lettuce Varieties?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for romaine, you can mix it up with any leafy greens you prefer. Iceberg or butter lettuce can work well for a different texture. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best results!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make Nana’s Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan cheese. You can also skip the cheese entirely while still enjoying the fresh flavors of the salad!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that croutons will lose their crunch, so it’s best to store them separately and add them just before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the greens and dressing a few hours in advance, but it’s best to combine everything right before serving to maintain the salad’s crunchiness and flavor. If you do prepare it ahead of time, add the croutons and cheese just before serving!
