Side Salad with Parmesan
A crisp, refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens and cucumber, topped with shaved Parmesan and tossed in a simple red wine vinaigrette. The perfect light accompaniment to any main course.
For 4 servings
Make the vinaigrette.
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced shallot, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
TIPMaking the dressing in a jar is great for easy mixing and storing any leftovers.Prepare the salad ingredients.
If you haven't already, wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the cucumber. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin shavings of Parmesan cheese.
Combine and dress the salad.
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and sliced cucumber. Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything lightly. Add more dressing as needed to your preference.
TIPDon't dress the salad until just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.Garnish and serve.
Top the dressed salad with the shaved Parmesan cheese. Give it one last gentle toss and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a block of Parmesan cheese that you shave yourself.
- 2To save time, you can make the vinaigrette up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 3Feel free to add other fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onion, or bell peppers.
- 4Ensure your greens are completely dry before dressing them; this helps the vinaigrette cling to the leaves properly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Toasted nuts or seeds would also add a nice crunch.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you have a high sensitivity, ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free.
low carbLow carb
This salad is already very low in carbohydrates and is suitable for a keto or low-carb diet.
quickQuick
Use a quality store-bought red wine vinaigrette to have this salad ready in under 5 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil in the vinaigrette is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Packed with Vitamins
Mixed greens provide essential vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron, which support overall health.
Good Source of Calcium
Parmesan cheese is a dairy product rich in calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is quite healthy. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the mixed greens and cucumber, and provides healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. Parmesan cheese adds calcium and protein.