Mediterranean / Vegetarian Diet
Indulge in a vibrant and refreshing culinary delight with this delectable Mediterranean recipe: "Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Salad". This enticing salad combines the tanginess of lemons, the richness of Parmesan cheese, and the crispness of fresh lettuce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
This salad perfectly balances bright and savory notes with its zesty lemon dressing, delicate Romaine and red leaf lettuce leaves, and the satisfying bite of finely grated Parmesan. So get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your salad game with this simple yet exquisite creation.
Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Salad Recipe
Serves: 6 Servings - Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 Hydroponic Romaine Lettuce Heads from LocAL Lettuce Heads .Farm
- 1 Hydroponic Red Leaf Lettuce Head from LocAL Lettuce Heads .Farm
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup Papa Vince extra virgin olive oil
- Papa Vince Trapani Sea Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
How to Make
(1) - Finely chop the lettuce and place it in a salad spinner or a large bowl. Rinse the lettuce and drain well. To ensure maximum crispness, gently pat the lettuce dry. Consider wrapping the lettuce in paper towels and refrigerating it briefly for an extra crisp factor.
(2) - Combine the chopped lettuce, sliced shallots, and lemon zest in a bowl.
(3) - Season the mixture with a sprinkle of Trapani Sea Salt, a dash of black pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly coated.
(4) - Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness. Toss the salad once again to incorporate all the flavors.
Serve and enjoy this vibrant Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Lettuce Salad, bursting with freshness and zesty flavors.
Tips
Other Lettuce Options - Opt for crisp lettuce types such as Romaine and red leaf when making this salad. You can also include frisée lettuce, Belgian endive, or arugula for added taste and texture, but starting with Romaine as the base and adding the other options is ideal.
Enjoy immediately - We recommend dressing and consuming immediately to have the best salad experience. Lettuce tends to wilt quickly once dressed, so making it ahead of time is not ideal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but remember that the salad may become soggy and lose appeal. If you're serving a smaller group, feel free to adjust the ingredient list to avoid any waste.
Mix, Match, and Elevate
Pair with Grilled Chicken
Consider serving the salad with grilled chicken breasts or tender slices. The tangy taste of the salad will perfectly complement the smoky and savory flavor of the chicken, resulting in a harmonious and delightful combination.
Serve with Crusty Bread
To complete your salad, serve it with a side of crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta. You can use the bread to soak up the tangy lemon dressing or combine it with the lettuce and Parmesan for a tasty bite. The bread also adds a nice texture and makes the meal more filling.
Grilled Shrimp or Salmon
For seafood enthusiasts, adding grilled shrimp or salmon to this salad can bring a delightful twist. The succulent and slightly smoky seafood flavors harmonize with the tangy dressing and Parmesan cheese, creating a burst of flavors and textures.
Toasted Nuts
Add a handful of toasted nuts, such as pine nuts or sliced almonds, for an extra crunch and nutty dimension. The nuts will provide a delightful contrast to the crispness of the lettuce and add a hint of richness to the salad.
Fresh Herbs
Elevate the salad's freshness by incorporating fresh herbs like chopped basil or mint. The herbs will infuse the dish with aromatic notes and enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a more vibrant and herbaceous experience.
Cherry Tomatoes or Sliced Radishes
To add a pop of color and extra freshness, include halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced radishes. These vibrant ingredients will contribute a slight tanginess and a visually appealing element to the salad.
You can try different variations and add ingredients based on your personal taste and what you have in your kitchen to enhance the flavors of the Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad. This will make the dish more exciting and customizable to your liking.
Garden of the Future: Hydroponic Lettuce Heads
Our Greenhouse Gem: LocAL Lettuce Heads .Farm
Our Very Own Hydroponic Haven. Did you know that the vibrant greens we use in this recipe come straight from our hydroponic greenhouse? Located in Foley, our greenhouse was once known as Craine Creek Farms, but now it's the birthplace of our exceptional LocAL Lettuce Heads .Farm. These luscious greens are cultivated using innovative hydroponic techniques, ensuring they are fresh, flavorful, and locally sourced. From our greenhouse to your plate, experience the true essence of farm-to-table goodness with LocAL Lettuce Heads.
Hydroponic lettuce, grown in a soilless system with nutrient-rich water, offers several unique benefits that make it an excellent choice for consumption.
Its benefits include:
- Higher nutrient density.
- Consistent quality.
- Reduced chemical exposure.
- Water efficiency.
- Year-round availability.
While grown in a controlled environment without soil, hydroponic lettuce absorbs optimal nutrients, producing a nutritionally dense leafy green. In addition, its controlled cultivation ensures uniformity and freshness, while reduced chemical usage enhances its safety. Finally, with more efficient water usage, hydroponic lettuce is an environmentally friendly choice; being available year-round makes it a reliable source of fresh and nutritious greens.
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Flavorful Heritage Tale
Growing up in Italy is growing up surrounded by the aroma of homemade pasta, freshly picked vegetables, and the joyful chatter of family members gathered around the dining table.
The Mediterranean diet is known for its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients, and this is why Italian families believe that food is a means of sustenance and a way to connect with loved ones and nourish the body and soul. This is why there is always a bountiful salad at the heart of every Italian family gathering.
While preparing this salad, I couldn't help but recall the cherished moments around the table, where laughter, stories, and flavors mingled harmoniously. However, I realized that salads hold a more profound significance: they symbolize togetherness, a celebration of health, and a reminder to embrace the abundance of nature's bounty.
As I served this delicious salad, the first bite brought a chorus of delighted expressions as the zesty lemon dressing danced on their taste buds, and the Parmesan cheese added a touch of indulgence.
And that was when I realized salads were not meant to be a mundane addition to a meal but an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. They provided a refreshing and light balance to heartier dishes, cleansing and invigorating the palate.
Lettuce Wrap-Up: A Salad Adventure Comes to a Close
We've come to the end of our journey with the Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Lettuce Salad. Its delicious flavors, delightful textures, and fresh zest have made it an evident success. As we move on to our next culinary adventure, we hope you enjoy many more delicious meals and always serve your salads with impressive dressings.
Buon appetito!
