Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe

This satisfying salad brings together ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and sharp red onions topped with a tangy lemon parmesan vinaigrette. It's a fresh twist on a classic dish perfect for any occasion.

Photos of Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe is fairly common but ensure to select ripe, firm tomatoes and fresh lettuce for the salad. The parmesan cheese should be fresh and finely grated for the vinaigrette to get the right texture and taste.

Ingredients for Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Tomatoes: The star of the show, they should be ripe but firm for the best flavor.

Lettuce: Adds a nice crunch to the salad.

Red onion: Provides a bit of bite and color.

Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, giving it a smooth texture.

Lemon juice: Adds tang and brightness to the dressing.

Parmesan cheese: Gives the dressing a slightly creamy, savory flavor.

White vinegar: Adds a bit of sharpness to balance the flavors.

Garlic: Gives a hearty and aromatic flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the salad and dressing.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the vinaigrette.

One reader, Esdras Gary says:

This tomato salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh tomatoes, zesty lemon, and savory parmesan creates a burst of flavors in every bite. It's a refreshing and delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommended!

Esdras Gary

Techniques Required for Making Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

How to prepare the salad: Combine the ripe tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion in a large serving bowl.

How to make the lemon parmesan vinaigrette: Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely grated fresh parmesan cheese, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined.

How to drizzle the dressing over the salad: Once the vinaigrette is prepared, drizzle it over the salad ingredients in the serving bowl.

How to serve the tomato salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette: Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors.

How To Make Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Tomatoes provide a nice sour taste that can be refreshing and can also be sweet. Now you can have all those flavors and crisp texture in this tomato salad.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

FOR SALAD

4-5ripe tomatoes(sliced)
1cuplettuce,shredded
¼pcred onion(thinly sliced)

FOR DRESSING

¼cupextra virgin olive oil
3tbspfreshly squeezed lemon juice
¼cupfinely grated fresh parmesan cheese
1tbspwhite vinegar
3clovesgarlic(minced)
½tspsalt
¼tspcracked black pepper

Instructions

Combine salad ingredients in a large serving bowl.
Whisk dressing ingredients together to combine. Drizzle over salad.
Serve and enjoy it.

Nutrition

Calories: 189.82kcal
Fat: 16.23g
Saturated Fat: 3.44g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.59g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.60g
Carbohydrates: 7.77g
Fiber: 1.89g
Sugar: 4.08g
Protein: 4.88g
Cholesterol: 6.32mg
Sodium: 426.60mg
Calcium: 135.05mg
Potassium: 367.67mg
Iron: 0.74mg
Vitamin A: 93.77µg
Vitamin C: 23.07mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

When preparing the tomato salad, it's important to choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. The tomatoes should be firm but give slightly when pressed. If they're too hard, they're not ripe enough and if they're too soft, they're overripe. For the lemon parmesan vinaigrette, make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled for a fresher and more vibrant flavor. Also, when grating the parmesan cheese, use the finest side of the grater for a smoother and creamier dressing. Lastly, don't forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste, as this will greatly enhance the overall flavor of your dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Tomato Salad Recipe

Plan ahead: Pre-chop ingredients and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This will save time and make meal prep a breeze.

Use kitchen gadgets: Invest in tools like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the chopping and slicing process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot or pan for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Cook large portions and freeze individual servings for quick and convenient meals later.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.

Substitute Ingredients For Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe

tomatoes - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a pop of color and freshness to the salad.
lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can offer a similar tender texture and a slightly earthy flavor, adding a nutritious and vibrant element to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, while still adding a subtle sharpness and crunch to the salad.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can offer a similar richness and fruity undertones, providing a healthy fat component to the vinaigrette.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, enhancing the vinaigrette's flavor without the citrus notes.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can offer a similar salty and nutty flavor, adding a delicious umami element to the vinaigrette.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly fruity and mellow acidity, complementing the vinaigrette while adding a hint of sweetness.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a subtle depth to the vinaigrette without overpowering the other ingredients.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity, enhancing the flavors of the salad and vinaigrette while offering a subtle mineral complexity.
cracked black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a milder and slightly floral heat, complementing the vinaigrette without the visible specks of black pepper.

Presenting Your Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Elevate the tomato salad: Arrange the tomatoes and lettuce in a visually appealing manner, creating height and dimension on the plate. Use the red onion to add a pop of color and texture.
Artfully drizzle the lemon parmesan vinaigrette: Use a squeeze bottle or a small spoon to create elegant and precise drizzles of the vinaigrette around the salad, ensuring even distribution and a visually stunning presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a vibrant touch of green and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to add a delicate and visually striking element to the dish, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Consider serving the tomato salad in individual, stylish vessels such as hollowed-out heirloom tomatoes or elegant glass bowls to create a memorable and sophisticated presentation.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese: Finish the dish with a light dusting of additional parmesan cheese on top of the salad, adding a touch of elegance and richness to the overall presentation.
Create a colorful plating: Arrange the salad components in a manner that creates a visually striking and colorful composition, ensuring that each ingredient stands out and contributes to the overall appeal of the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: Essential for slicing, dicing, and mincing various ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing salad ingredients.
Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying the vinaigrette ingredients.
Garlic press: For easily mincing garlic cloves for the vinaigrette.
Grater: Used to finely grate the fresh parmesan cheese for the vinaigrette.
Juicer: Essential for extracting the fresh lemon juice for the vinaigrette.
Serving bowl: Used for presenting and serving the finished tomato salad.

Storing and Freezing Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Store the tomato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The tomatoes may release some juice over time, so it's best to store the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
If you have leftover lemon parmesan vinaigrette, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling it over the salad.
Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the high water content in the tomatoes and lettuce. Freezing will cause the vegetables to become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can wash and chop the lettuce and store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Slice the tomatoes and red onion just before assembling the salad to maintain their freshness.
The lemon parmesan vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify. Just be sure to give it a good shake or whisk before using.

Random Fact About Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Tomato salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette is a refreshing and nutritious dish. It's a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and lycopene. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. Additionally, the combination of tomatoes and parmesan cheese provides a rich umami flavor, making this salad a delightful addition to any meal.

Is Making Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Economical for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this tomato salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette recipe is quite high. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it an affordable choice for a household. The tomatoes and lettuce are budget-friendly, and the dressing ingredients are also commonly found in most kitchens. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 9. The recipe offers a flavorful and healthy dish at a reasonable cost, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious households.

Is This Tomato Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This tomato salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette is a nutritious and refreshing dish. The salad ingredients, such as tomatoes and lettuce, are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Tomatoes are particularly rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. The red onion adds a nice crunch and provides additional vitamins and minerals.

The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, white vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper, is also relatively healthy. Olive oil is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Lemon juice and white vinegar add a tangy flavor and can help boost digestion. Parmesan cheese provides a good amount of protein and calcium, while garlic has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a variety of colorful tomatoes to increase the nutrient diversity
Add more leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, to boost the fiber and vitamin content
Include other vegetables, like cucumbers or bell peppers, for added crunch and nutrients
Reduce the amount of salt in the dressing or replace it with a salt-free seasoning blend
Use a light hand when drizzling the dressing to keep the calorie count in check
Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more filling and balanced

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Tomato Salad

This tomato salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. The ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce provide a refreshing base, while the tangy and zesty vinaigrette adds a burst of brightness. The addition of finely grated parmesan cheese brings a rich and savory element to the dish. Overall, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.

Enhance Your Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and lemon zest.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and a touch of cinnamon for a delightful side dish.

Grilled Pineapple: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and caramelized flavor.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling to perfection.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta: Create a creamy and tropical dessert by combining mango puree with coconut milk and gelatin for a refreshing treat.

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Compote: Simmer butternut squash with aromatic spices and top with a sweet and tangy apple compote for a comforting and flavorful soup.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: Coat the chicken in a zesty lemon and garlic marinade before roasting it to golden perfection for a juicy and flavorful main dish.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Your Tomato Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty lemon herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Mushroom Risotto: Create a creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto using a variety of mushrooms and arborio rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an indulgent dish.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a luscious strawberry cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety smooth cream cheese filling. Topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Why trust this Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and zesty lemon juice in the vinaigrette. The use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and finely grated parmesan cheese enhances the flavors, while the addition of garlic and white vinegar adds depth to the dressing. The careful selection of ingredients and the balance of flavors make this recipe a trustworthy choice for a refreshing and flavorful tomato salad.

Want to share your experience making this Tomato Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette or discuss variations and serving suggestions? Join the conversation in our Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?

Yes, you can use other types of tomatoes such as cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or vine-ripened tomatoes. Just ensure they are ripe and flavorful for the best results.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it on the salad.

Can I omit the parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option?

Of course! If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can omit the parmesan cheese from the dressing. You can also substitute it with a dairy-free parmesan alternative if desired.

How long can I store the leftover salad?

The leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt slightly, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and freshness.