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This Lemon Parmesan Salad is crisp, tangy, and incredibly satisfying! Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a fresh side dish for dinner parties. The crunchy romaine lettuce, sharp Parmesan, and bright lemon zest come together in minutes for a refreshing salad that’s hard to resist. I make this salad all the time because it’s so easy and addicting — and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings!

If you love quick and flavorful salads, check out my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad or this Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken Salad for another fresh and vibrant option.

A bowl of lemon parmesan salad featuring chopped romaine lettuce, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A lemon slice lies beside the bowl, with a fork placed on the salad and a striped napkin nearby.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon parmesan salad is not only quick and easy to make but also full of bold, refreshing flavors. It’s a perfect balance of crisp romaine, tangy lemon, and rich Parmesan, making it a versatile salad that’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a light side dish or turning it into a complete meal by adding protein, this salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s also:

  • Bright and Refreshing: Zesty lemon and nutty Parmesan perfectly balance the fresh romaine.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for low-key meals but fancy enough for dinner parties.
  • Highly Customizable: Add protein (like these grilled chicken thighs), extra veggies, or mix in other greens to switch it up.

With so many ways to customize and enhance this recipe, this salad is sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation. It’s light, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Ingredient Notes

Image of ingredients for a salad: romaine hearts, a bowl of parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest, whole lemons, a bowl of sea salt, a jar of ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, an onion, and a bowl of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Romaine Hearts: Crisp and refreshing, providing the perfect crunch. I personally prefer romaine for its sturdy texture, but you can mix with other lettuce varieties like arugula, red leaf, or butter lettuce.
  • Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds a slightly sweet and sharp contrast to the creamy dressing.
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. It melts into the dressing beautifully and enhances the richness.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and acidity that pairs perfectly with the Parmesan.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for the dressing. I recommend using high-quality olive oil for the best results.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the salad.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick, but optional for those who prefer a mild version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A wooden bowl filled with chopped lettuce, thinly sliced onions, and a generous amount of grated cheese. Olive oil is being drizzled over the salad from a dispenser above.

Step 1: Combine chopped romaine, thinly sliced onion, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl.

A person tosses a salad in a wooden bowl with wooden utensils. The salad contains lettuce, sliced onions, and a generous amount of grated cheese.

Step 2: Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the ingredients.

A person squeezing a lemon over a bowl of fresh lemon parmesan salad. The salad contains romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, all in a wooden bowl.

Step 3: Taste and add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. You can add more lemon juice for extra tanginess.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Salad

  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has a much better texture and flavor than pre-packaged versions. It also blends better with the dressing for a smoother finish.
  • Chill the Lettuce: For extra crunch, refrigerate the romaine for 15-20 minutes before assembling the salad.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon for brightness or extra Parmesan for richness.

If you love adding texture to your salads, try tossing in toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or crunchy croutons for variety.

A fresh lemon parmesan salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The ingredients are mixed together and presented up close, highlighting the textures and colors.

Variations and Add-Ins

  • Add Protein: Turn this into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
  • Mix Up the Greens: Use a mix of romaine, arugula, or butter lettuce for variety.
  • Extra Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or croutons.
  • Vegan Option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What to Serve with Lemon Parmesan Salad

This salad pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes:

  • Grilled Proteins: Chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon.
  • Pasta Dishes: Complements creamy pasta or baked ziti.
  • BBQ and Summer Sides: Pairs well with grilled veggies, burgers, and more.
A bowl of lemon parmesan salad with crisp romaine lettuce, grated cheese, pepper, and dressing. A fork rests along the edge of the white bowl.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
  • Dressing Storage: If you have extra dressing, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then toss together right before serving to maintain crunch.

Recipe FAQs

How long does Lemon Parmesan Salad stay fresh?

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad immediately after tossing. If making ahead, store the ingredients separately and toss just before serving.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

What’s the best way to keep lettuce crisp?

Rinse and spin dry the lettuce, then store it in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!

A bowl of Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, grated cheese, pepper, and dressing. A fork rests along the edge of the white bowl.
Servings: 6 servings

5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad Recipe

This Lemon Parmesan Salad is crisp, tangy, and incredibly satisfying! Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a fresh side dish for dinner parties. The crunchy romaine lettuce, sharp Parmesan, and bright lemon zest come together in minutes for a refreshing salad that’s hard to resist. I make this salad all the time because it’s so easy and addicting — and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings!
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 3 romaine hearts, washed, dried, and chopped (about 8 cups)
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions 

  • Combine romaine, onion, parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil in a bowl.
    3 romaine hearts, 1/2 onion, 1 cup finely grated parmesan, Juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Toss to combine evenly.
  • Taste and add salt, pepper, and/or crushed red pepper flakes, if needed. You can add more lemon juice as well if you want. Toss again and serve!
    Salt and pepper, Crushed red pepper flakes

Notes

    • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has a much better texture and flavor than pre-packaged versions. It also blends better with the dressing for a smoother finish.
    • Chill the Lettuce: For extra crunch, refrigerate the romaine for 15-20 minutes before assembling the salad.
    • Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon for brightness or extra Parmesan for richness.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving – makes 6, Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 297mg, Potassium: 184mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 5066IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 168mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @whatgreatgrandmaate!

What Great Grandma Ate / Jean Choi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Jean Choi

Iโ€™m a food lover and recipe developer living in Southern California. I love to share simple and approachable gluten-free recipes that are healthy but never sacrifice on flavor.

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2 Comments

  1. Monica Pound says:

    Hi are you using a sweet or white onion in this?

    1. Jean Choi says:

      Either one works!