Fall Salad With Parmesan Dressing
A fresh fall salad featuring crisp lettuce, fennel, and olives, dressed with a tangy Parmesan lemon vinaigrette, perfect for light, flavorful autumn meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small jar, combine lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shake until salt dissolves.
- Add olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese to the jar.
- Shake again to combine the dressing thoroughly.
- Tear lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces; trim the fennel bulb and slice it thinly.
- Combine the lettuce, fennel slices, and black olives in a salad bowl.
- Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mix. If you don't have fennel, celery or radishes can serve as a nice substitute. Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. This salad pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile side dish for various meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Fall Salad is a delightful starter or side dish, perfect for a holiday meal or a casual dinner. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Butter Beans With Tomato Sauce And Parmesan for a heartier option. Consider adding crusty bread to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the crispness of the salad. When ready to enjoy, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fall Salad With Parmesan Dressing contains roughly 277 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1918mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Parmesan dressing a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Just remember to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like roasted beets, sliced radishes, or even diced apples for a touch of sweetness. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture, making it even more enjoyable.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The components can be prepped in advance. Just store the salad ingredients and dressing separately, and combine them when ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy fresh salad throughout the week without compromising taste or quality.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).