There’s something so refreshing about a crisp, crunchy Parmesan Chopped Salad that just makes my taste buds dance! The combination of fresh romaine, kale, and juicy cherry tomatoes topped with that deliciously nutty Parmesan is pure magic. I love serving this salad alongside grilled chicken or as a vibrant side at family gatherings. I remember my grandma would whip this up for summer barbecues, and it was always the highlight of the meal! Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want to keep it on your table every week. It’s the perfect way to brighten up any plate!
Ingredients for Parmesan Chopped Salad
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce – make sure it’s nice and crisp for that perfect crunch!
- 1 cup chopped kale – I love the added texture and nutrition it brings. Just remove the tough stems!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – sweet and juicy, these add a burst of flavor!
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced – cool and refreshing; I prefer peeling it for an extra crisp bite.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – use more or less depending on your love for onion!
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – freshly grated works wonders for that cheesy goodness!
- 1/4 cup olive oil – this will give the dressing a lovely richness.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – adds a tangy kick that balances everything out!
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skip this; it really elevates the flavors!
How to Prepare Parmesan Chopped Salad
Getting this Parmesan Chopped Salad ready is a breeze, and I promise it’s as simple as it is delicious! Let’s dive right into the steps to whip up this crunchy delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the chopped romaine lettuce, kale, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Just look at those vibrant colors!
- Next, sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese. I can’t help but sneak a little taste here—so good!
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until it’s all combined. You’ll want that dressing to be perfectly blended.
- Now, drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients and give everything a good toss. Make sure all that goodness is well-coated—this is where the magic happens!
- Serve immediately to enjoy that fresh crunch. Trust me, you don’t want to let it sit too long!
Tips for Success
If you want to elevate your Parmesan Chopped Salad to the next level, here are some pro tips! First, always use fresh, crisp vegetables—this makes a world of difference in texture and taste. Avoid over-dressing the salad; start with a little dressing and add more if you need it. It’s easy to drown those lovely veggies! Also, let your salad sit for just a minute after tossing; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference. Enjoy the crunch and flavor!
Variations of Parmesan Chopped Salad
One of the best things about this Parmesan Chopped Salad is how versatile it is! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. You could swap in some arugula for a peppery bite or add bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. If you’re a fan of olives, throw in some sliced black or green olives for a briny kick! For a little added protein, diced grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent additions.
And let’s not forget about the dressing! While the olive oil and red wine vinegar combo is fantastic, you could try a zesty lemon vinaigrette or even a creamy dressing like ranch if that’s your jam. Just have fun experimenting and find your favorite mix—there are no wrong choices here!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delightful Parmesan Chopped Salad, don’t worry! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend enjoying it within a day for the best freshness—those crunchy veggies are best when they’re crisp!
As for reheating, you won’t need to do that since this salad is best served cold. Just give it a little toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If you find it’s lost some crunch, consider adding a few fresh greens or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to liven it up again!
Nutritional Information for Parmesan Chopped Salad
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious Parmesan Chopped Salad. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 16g of fat, 6g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying salad guilt-free!
FAQ About Parmesan Chopped Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving. This way, your veggies stay crisp and fresh!
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or even crumbled feta for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste!
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Parmesan Chopped Salad, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also amp up the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Parmesan Chopped Salad are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add fruits to the salad?
Definitely! Fruits like diced apples, pears, or even mandarin oranges can add a sweet touch that complements the savory flavors beautifully. Just be sure to balance the flavors so it doesn’t overwhelm the salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Parmesan Chopped Salad! Here’s why it has a special place in my heart:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vibrant veggies, each bite is a burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Customizable: You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.
- Perfect Pairing: It’s an excellent side for grilled meats or a light lunch on its own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a picnic with friends, this salad is always a hit!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
For more delicious salad ideas, check out this Italian Chicken Panini recipe or these Greek Chicken Burgers!
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Parmesan Chopped Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Freshness
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy salad featuring Parmesan cheese and a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add shredded Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add any other vegetables you like.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator, but consume within a day for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Parmesan Chopped Salad, salad, vegetarian salad, healthy salad