Basil Parmesan Salad – A Quick, Healthy, Low-Carb Bowl Bursting with Summer Flavor
Looking for a satisfying, healthy salad recipe that’s ready in minutes?
Looking for the perfect basil salad recipe that’s easy, healthy, and packed with flavor? Meet your new favorite go-to: a refreshing, crisp basil parmesan salad that blends bold flavors with simple ingredients. This isn’t just a side dish—it’s a satisfying, low carb basil salad that can stand on its own.
Made with fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan, romaine lettuce, red onion, and a vibrant lemon and olive oil dressing, this salad is packed with zesty bite and beautiful textures. Whether you're craving a summer salad, planning a basil salad summer meal prep, or need a quick basil salad for lunch, this recipe delivers.
With just 10 simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a gluten-free basil salad that’s ready in minutes and easy to customize for Whole30, Paleo, or vegan diets.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 80
Protein: 6g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
· Perfect for a quick dinner salad or healthy lunch
· Incorporates fresh basil and whole ingredients
· Naturally gluten-free and low carb
· Ready in 7 minutes – no cooking required
· Ideal for meal prep salad bowls or sides
· Flexible recipe – easy to customize with proteins or extras
· A bold mix of texture and flavor: crisp lettuce, salty cheese, spicy red pepper, and bright lemon
Ingredients
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
8 fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (use dairy-free or omit for vegan)
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
1. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and place in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the grated parmesan cheese, thinly sliced red onion, red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Toss well until evenly coated.
3. Tear or finely slice fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the romaine. This is the secret to an intensely flavorful fresh basil salad
4. Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Nutritional Breakdown
· Calories: 80
· Protein: 6g
· Fiber: 2g
Variations & Substitutions
· Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
· For a more traditional basil salad with tomatoes, add chopped cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
· Add sliced avocado for creaminess and extra fiber.
· Use spring mix or spinach in place of romaine.
· Top with toasted seeds or nuts for crunch.
· Top with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a complete meal.
· Try it with balsamic vinegar, honey mustard, or tahini-lemon for a new twist.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
• Store dressing and greens separately to maintain freshness.
• Wash and chop romaine in advance. Store with paper towel in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Mix and store the lemon-olive oil dressing in a jar up to 1 week.
• Keep the salad undressed for meal prep. Combine just before eating to avoid sogginess.
• Divide ingredients into individual meal prep containers. Add protein like grilled tofu or shrimp for full meal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this a vegan basil salad?
A: Yes! Just omit the parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute. Everything else is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Q: What are the best tips for basil salad flavor?
A: Use fresh basil, high-quality olive oil, and real lemon juice. Toss just before serving to keep it crisp.
Q: Can I make this a raw basil salad?
A: It is! No cooking required—just fresh raw vegetables and herbs.
Q: Can I prep this for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Keep dressing and lettuce separate until ready to serve. It’s a perfect basil salad summer meal prep option.
Q: Is this salad Whole30 or Paleo-friendly?
A: Yes, if you skip the parmesan or use a compliant alternative, it works beautifully for Paleo basil salad or Whole30 basil salad plans.
Q: What’s the shelf life of this salad once made?
A: Best eaten fresh, but can last 1–2 days in the fridge if dressed. Store dressing separately for longer life.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a healthy basil salad recipe that delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition, this zesty basil parmesan bowl is it. It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying salad you can make in minutes—and one you’ll crave again and again.
Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or meal-ready basil salad meal prep, this recipe proves that fresh ingredients and smart seasoning go a long way. With its bold basil flavor, crunchy romaine, and lemony bite, it’s ideal for warm-weather meals or year-round clean eating.
Tried this recipe? Tag us @TheTerriLowe on Instagram and let us know how you made it your own! We love seeing your takes on these quick, easy basil salads.
“A well-made salad must have a certain uniformity; it should make perfect sense for those ingredients to share a bowl.”
