5-Minute Parmesan Lettuce Salad
This 5-Minute Parmesan Lettuce Salad is a super quick, fresh, and flavorful side dish inspired by simple Mediterranean salads. Crisp lettuce is tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan for a light yet savory salad. It’s non-spicy, refreshing, and perfect with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
1½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber slices
Toasted pine nuts or almonds
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare lettuce
Wash and dry the lettuce well.
Chop into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Add dressing
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the lettuce.
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Add Parmesan
Toss gently until the lettuce is coated and the Parmesan is evenly distributed.
4️⃣ Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
Extra crunch: Add homemade croutons or toasted nuts.
Creamier version: Add a spoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
Protein boost: Top with grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas.
Mediterranean twist: Add olives and cucumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other lettuce?
Yes! Butter lettuce, mixed greens, or arugula also work great.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prepare ingredients earlier but toss with dressing right before serving.
What pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, Mediterranean pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 140 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: High (from Parmesan)