Fresh Summer Salad with Parmesan – Easy Summer Salad Recipes
Need a go-to dish for warm weather meals or your next cookout? This vibrant summer salad brings together the best of summer produce with a Mediterranean twist. It’s crisp, herbaceous, and finished with real parmesan cheese and a simple olive oil dressing. Whether you're planning weekday dinners, picnic spreads, or BBQs, this salad fits the bill. Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and naturally refreshing—a large bowl salad recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Total Time: 10 minutes
· Servings: 4
· Calories: 215 per serving
· Protein: 6g per serving
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
· · Fresh and crisp veggies like romaine and red cabbage for ultimate crunch.
· Simple ingredients and ready in just 10 minutes.
· Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
· Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or light lunches.
· Easy to make ahead and toss with dressing when ready.
Ingredients
· 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
· ½ head red cabbage, thinly sliced
· ¼ red onion, finely sliced
· ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
· 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend (or fresh herbs like basil and oregano)
· ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Wash and chop romaine lettuce and red cabbage. Pat dry for best texture.
2. Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 5–10 minutes to mellow flavor. Drain before using.
3. Whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to make the dressing.
4. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Drizzle dressing over and toss well.
5. Top with parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Nutrition
· Calories: 215
· Protein: 6g
· Fiber: 3g
Variations & Substitutions
· Add grilled chicken or tofu to boost protein.
· Top with berries or peaches for fruity flavor.
· Swap parmesan for crumbled feta or goat cheese.
· Use lemon juice in dressing for extra brightness.
· Mix in chickpeas or quinoa for more substance.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This summer salad stores well if you keep the dressing separate. Combine vegetables and cheese in a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes. Simply skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Q: What other dressings work for this salad?
A: A balsamic vinaigrette, lemon tahini, or creamy avocado dressing would all be great.
Q: Is this salad good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely! It’s low in carbs, full of fiber, and great for light meals.
Final Thoughts
This is more than just another salad—it’s a celebration of summer’s freshest produce in every bite. Quick, wholesome, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of easy summer salad recipe that’ll earn a regular spot in your rotation. Perfect for meal preppers, BBQ lovers, and anyone chasing flavor-packed nutrition without fuss. Try it for your next gathering—or better yet, make a double batch!
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think leave a comment below—What would you add to enhance?
