Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad

$- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using mixed greens for this salad. They add a nice crunch and color. Spinach gives a mild flavor. Arugula adds a peppery touch, and romaine provides crispness. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Halving them makes them easy to eat. Cucumbers add a refreshing bite. Slicing them thin helps mix the flavors. Red onion gives a sharp taste, which is balanced by the other ingredients. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely aroma. They make the salad feel special. - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Shaved Parmesan cheese is a star in this salad. It adds a salty flavor that pairs well with greens. Olive oil makes the dressing rich and smooth. Fresh lemon juice brightens the taste. It gives the salad a zesty kick. Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness. Salt and pepper are key for seasoning. You can adjust them to your liking. - Caloric value per serving: about 120 calories - Breakdown of macronutrients: 7g carbs, 9g fat, 3g protein - Health benefits of key ingredients: This salad is low in calories but full of nutrients. The mixed greens are high in vitamins A and C. Cherry tomatoes provide antioxidants that are great for your skin. Cucumbers keep you hydrated. Olive oil is heart-healthy, and Parmesan gives you calcium. Lemon juice aids digestion and adds vitamin C. Each bite not only tastes good but is also healthy. Enjoy this salad without guilt! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, wash the mixed greens under cold water. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them with a clean towel. This step keeps your salad crisp. Next, slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Their sweetness adds a nice touch. Now, take the cucumber and slice it thinly. This gives a refreshing crunch. Lastly, slice the red onion into thin pieces. This will add a sharp flavor that balances the salad. For the dressing, you will need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix them together. Whisk until the dressing looks smooth and blended. This emulsified dressing will coat the salad evenly. In a large mixing bowl, toss the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced red onion together. Make sure all the veggies mix well. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently to ensure every piece gets dressed. Now, add the shaved Parmesan cheese on top. Lightly toss again to distribute the cheese. Finally, taste your salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it right away, garnished with fresh basil leaves for that extra aroma. To boost the taste of your Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad, add fresh herbs. Consider using parsley, cilantro, or dill for a twist. Each herb brings its own flavor and aroma, enhancing your salad. You can also change the balance of the dressing. If you want more zing, add extra lemon juice. For sweetness, mix in a bit more honey. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. You can save time by pre-chopping your ingredients. Wash and slice the greens or cut the veggies the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can quickly toss your salad together. For a fast assembly, keep your cheese and dressing ready to go. This will cut down your prep time by several minutes. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The fresh flavors complement rich main dishes nicely. To impress your guests, serve it in a clear bowl. This lets the colorful veggies shine. You can also add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds on top for crunch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality produce to enhance the flavors of your salad. Chill Your Greens: For a refreshing crunch, chill your mixed greens in the refrigerator before assembling the salad. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to substitute shaved Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. {{image_2}} You can change the mixed greens in this salad. Try using kale or romaine instead. If you want a nutty taste, add some arugula. You can also switch cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers or radishes. For a protein boost, grilled chicken works great. If you're looking for a plant-based option, chickpeas are perfect too. They add texture and protein without meat. You can use different dressings to change the flavor. A creamy dressing adds richness. Try a simple yogurt or ranch dressing for a twist. For a lighter taste, stick with a vinaigrette. You can also play with citrus flavors. Lime or orange juice can work well with the lemon. Each option brings its own unique taste to the salad. Adapt this salad to fit the seasons. In summer, add fresh berries or corn for sweetness. Winter salads can include roasted squash or apples for warmth. You can also use seasonal herbs like mint in spring. Each season brings new produce, so keep an eye out for local options. This way, you can always enjoy fresh and tasty salads year-round. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the greens may wilt and lose their crunch. You can prep the ingredients a day ahead. Wash and slice the veggies and keep them in separate containers. Assemble the salad just before you serve it. This way, it stays crisp and bright. You should not freeze this salad. Freezing changes the texture of the greens and tomatoes. If you want to save ingredients, consider freezing the dressing separately. Just remember to use it within three months! Yes, you can make this salad vegan. To do this, you need to swap out the cheese and honey. Use a dairy-free cheese for the Parmesan. You can find these in most stores. For the honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the sweet flavor without using honey. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken or tofu for protein. - Quinoa or brown rice for a filling side. - Garlic bread or pita for a nice crunch. - A light soup like tomato or minestrone. These sides add variety and balance to your meal. To make this salad gluten-free, check your dressing and toppings. Most olive oils and lemon juice are gluten-free. Ensure your vinegar is safe too. For the cheese, use a gluten-free brand. Always check the labels for hidden gluten in products. This way, you enjoy the salad without worry. This blog post showed you how to create a fresh and tasty salad. We covered the best ingredients, helpful tips, and simple steps for making it. With the right veggies, dressing, and additions, you can boost the flavor and nutrition of your meals. Don’t forget the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. With these tools, you can impress friends and family, no matter the season. Enjoy experimenting with your salad variations!$

Minute Lemon Parmesan Salad

A quick and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing topped with Parmesan.

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Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 whole cucumber, thinly sliced
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the veggies evenly.
Add the shaved Parmesan cheese on top and lightly toss again to distribute.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Keyword lemon, Parmesan, quick, salad