Short Description
Parmesan chopped salad is a fresh, crisp, and flavorful dish featuring crunchy greens, shaved Parmesan, and a zesty homemade dressing. This simple yet delicious salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main meal, pairing beautifully with grilled meats, pasta, or seafood.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and refreshing – Crunchy lettuce, crisp veggies, and Parmesan create the perfect texture.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a side or add protein for a complete meal.
- Zesty and flavorful – The Parmesan adds a bold, nutty taste to every bite.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the ingredients to your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- Romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Radicchio or kale (chopped)
- Cucumber (diced)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons (optional for crunch)
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic (minced)
- Honey or maple syrup (for balance)
- Salt and pepper
Directions

- Prepare the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Chop the veggies – Finely chop romaine, radicchio (or kale), cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, combine chopped greens, veggies, and Parmesan.
- Dress the salad – Drizzle the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy as is or add protein for a hearty meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas make it a full meal.
- Extra crunch – Toss in toasted nuts or sunflower seeds.
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Creamy twist – Mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing.
- Low-carb option – Skip the croutons and add avocado instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Dressing storage: Keep the dressing separate in a jar for up to 5 days.
- Serving: Toss with dressing just before eating to keep it fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
What’s the best cheese for this salad?
Parmesan works best, but pecorino or asiago are great alternatives.
Can I use a different lettuce?
Yes! Try iceberg, spinach, or arugula for a different texture.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits add a delicious smoky crunch.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the honey and croutons.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but homemade tastes fresher and more flavorful.
What pairs well with this salad?
It’s great with grilled steak, pasta, roasted veggies, or soup.
Can I make the dressing creamier?
Yes! Blend in some mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
Parmesan chopped salad is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether served as a side or a main dish with added protein, this salad is sure to be a go-to favorite. Try it today for a crisp, flavorful bite!
PrintParmesan Chopped Salad
This Parmesan Chopped Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish loaded with crisp lettuce, nutty Parmesan, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad is simple yet packed with delicious textures and flavors!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup radicchio, chopped (or red cabbage)
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (or slivered almonds)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pine nuts.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan & Serve
- Sprinkle shaved Parmesan on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Make It Creamier: Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in croutons or crispy prosciutto for more texture.
- Storage: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.