Homemade Parmesan Chopped Salad
A vibrant and crunchy salad featuring romaine lettuce, radicchio, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas or chicken, and topped with freshly grated parmesan and a zippy dressing. Perfect for family gatherings or as a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped the crunchy backbone
- 1 cup radicchio, chopped adds color and a gentle bitter note
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved juicy bursts of sweetness
- 1 cup cucumber, diced cooling and crisp
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced optional, for a bright bite
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for protein (substitute: white beans or grilled tofu)
Toppings and Dressing
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese nutty, salty ribbons that make the salad sing
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch (substitute: sunflower seeds)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil smooth and fruity
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice brightens everything
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard emulsifies the dressing (substitute: whole grain mustard)
- 1 clove garlic, minced warm and aromatic
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- optional chopped fresh basil or parsley for a herbaceous finish
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and dry all produce thoroughly.
- Chop romaine and radicchio into bite-sized ribbons and add them to a large wooden bowl.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and your chosen protein. Toss gently to avoid bruising.
Dressing
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy.
- Taste and adjust as needed.
Assembly
- Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and toss.
- Add grated parmesan and toasted nuts, tossing again. Add more dressing to taste.
- Serve immediately, with additional parmesan and fresh herbs on top.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve alongside baked garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes. This salad is easily customizable with different proteins and add-ins.