Tomato Parmesan Salad
A fresh and vibrant Tomato Parmesan Salad combining crisp romaine and iceberg lettuces with juicy tomatoes, red onions, and pimientos. The tangy vinaigrette adds a flavorful punch, making it perfect for light lunches, summer gatherings, or as a side dish to grilled proteins. Bright, refreshing, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil or olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine torn romaine lettuce, torn iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, diced tomatoes, and drained diced pimientos.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette. If you prefer a sweeter touch, a splash of honey or maple syrup works well. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor. Feel free to substitute iceberg lettuce with spinach for a different texture. This salad pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tomato Parmesan Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or pasta. It complements dishes like Artichokes Parmesan or Fresh Green Beans And Vinaigrette beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become soggy due to the dressing, so if possible, store the vinaigrette separately and dress the salad just before serving. To refresh the flavors, give it a gentle toss before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Parmesan Salad contains roughly 491 calories, with 11g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2520mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it's best to add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent sogginess. You can store the vinaigrette in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake it well before use.
What variations can I try with this salad?
You can add various ingredients to customize this salad. Consider adding sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even olives for extra flavor. For a protein boost, try incorporating feta cheese or chickpeas. This salad is versatile and can adapt to what you have on hand.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This Tomato Parmesan Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it features fresh vegetables and a simple vinaigrette. You can enhance the nutritional value by adding ingredients like nuts or seeds, making it a fulfilling dish for anyone following vegetarian recipes.
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).