Kamil Perry
Parmesan cheese can be a great addition to a salad, adding a salty, umami flavour. It can be shaved or grated and added to a variety of salad ingredients and dressings. For example, Parmesan can be added to a salad with kidney beans, carrots, cottage cheese, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, chicken, chickpeas, and croutons. It can also be combined with a variety of dressings, such as creamy dill, Caesar, oil and vinegar, Greek yoghurt, or a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Parmesan |
| Cheese Texture | Finely grated, shaved, shredded |
| Cheese Quantity | A handful |
| Salad Ingredients | Lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, kidney beans, carrots, cottage cheese, mushrooms, shallots, lemon zest, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled corn, avocado, broccoli, squash, thinly shaved carrots, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, thinly sliced red onion, romaine, red leaf lettuce, frisée lettuce, Belgian endive, arugula |
| Salad Toppings | Crispy garlic shrimp, Greek chicken, grilled flank steak, grilled salmon, grilled fish, chicken salad, chicken kabobs, shrimp skewers, garlic shrimp, chicken, tuna, bacon |
| Salad Dressing | Lemon juice, mustard, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, Caesar vinaigrette, ranch, Greek yogurt dressing, Bolthouse yogurt ranch, OPA Greek yogurt dressing, honey |
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What You'll Learn
Grate or shave the parmesan
Grating or shaving Parmesan cheese is a great way to elevate a salad. It adds an intense umami flavour and extra saltiness, enhancing the flavour of the dressing. The dry texture of grated or shaved Parmesan also helps it adhere to the lettuce leaves and other toppings, ensuring every bite is flavourful and satisfying.
To grate Parmesan cheese, use a fine grater and add a generous handful to your salad. This technique works well with harder cheeses such as Parmesan or its saltier cousin, Pecorino Romano. Grated Parmesan is best added just before serving to ensure the cheese doesn't clump together and retains its dry texture.
Shaving Parmesan cheese creates thin, flaky strips that add a nice crunchy texture to the salad. To shave Parmesan, use a vegetable peeler to peel a wedge of Parmesan into thin strips. This method ensures the cheese melts easily into the salad and provides a nice presentation. Shaved Parmesan can be mixed into the salad or used as a topping.
Whether grated or shaved, Parmesan cheese adds a delicious flavour to salads and pairs well with various dressings and ingredients. It is a simple yet effective way to enhance the taste and texture of your salad.
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Choose a dressing
When it comes to choosing a dressing for your Parmesan salad, the options are endless. You can opt for a simple lemon dressing, whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, a basic vinaigrette can be made by whisking together lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper, and then slowly whisking in oil. This can be made in the same bowl as the salad to avoid clumping.
If you're looking for something creamier, a Greek yoghurt dressing is a lower-calorie option at around 35 calories per tablespoon. You can also try a creamy dill or Caesar dressing, or a low-calorie ranch. For a more indulgent option, a simple oil and vinegar dressing on a steak salad is always a good choice.
Parmesan cheese pairs well with a wide variety of dressings, so feel free to experiment with store-bought or homemade options to find your favourite combination.
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Add protein
Adding protein to your salad is a great way to make it more filling and nutritious. Here are some ideas for protein-rich ingredients that you can pair with your Parmesan cheese:
Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a convenient and affordable source of protein that can be easily chopped up and added to your salad.
Chicken
Grilled chicken is a lean protein option that pairs well with Parmesan cheese. You can try Greek chicken or chicken Caesar salad, or even top your salad with grilled chicken kabobs or shredded chicken salad.
Seafood
Seafood options like shrimp, salmon, or tuna are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Try adding crispy garlic shrimp or pairing your salad with garlic Parmesan shrimp skewers. For a no-cook option, crumble some tuna on top of your salad.
Beans
Kidney beans are a plant-based protein option that can add texture and variety to your salad. They are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dressings and ingredients.
Meat
For a heartier salad, consider adding grilled flank steak or bacon bits. These options can make your salad more indulgent and satisfying.
Remember, you can choose one or a combination of protein sources to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite combinations!
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Include vegetables
Adding parmesan cheese to a salad is a great way to enhance its flavour. You can use a vegetable peeler to shave the cheese into thin curls or grate it finely.
Now, let's talk about vegetables. Roasted vegetables are a fantastic way to add texture and flavour to your salad. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and provides a delicious crunch.
- Broccoli: Cut into bite-sized florets, broccoli provides a crispy texture when roasted.
- Carrots: Peel and cut carrots into 1/2-3/4 inch thick coins. When roasted, carrots can become as sweet as sweet potatoes.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets are a great addition and pair well with the other vegetables mentioned.
- Red Onion: Adds a punch of flavour and colour to your salad.
- Parsnips: A great root vegetable option that will add a unique flavour.
- Bell Peppers: Colourful bell peppers will not only add flavour but also a vibrant touch to your salad.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms will provide a hearty and savoury element.
- Zucchini: Sliced zucchini offers a mild flavour and a soft texture.
- Brussels Sprouts: These can be blanched or roasted to add a nutty flavour.
When roasting your vegetables, you can toss them in olive oil, butter, or a cooking spray/oil spritzer for a lighter option. Don't forget to season them with salt and pepper, and perhaps some garlic for an extra kick of flavour.
Once your vegetables are roasted to perfection, it's time to assemble your salad. Combine your chosen vegetables with leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, and other salad ingredients like tomatoes, croutons, or proteins such as hard-boiled eggs, chicken, or chickpeas.
Finally, sprinkle your shaved or grated parmesan cheese on top, and there you have it—a delicious and flavourful salad with the perfect combination of vegetables and cheese!
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Salad types
Parmesan cheese can be added to a variety of salads to enhance their flavour and texture. Here are some salad types that commonly include Parmesan:
Romaine Salad
A simple yet flavourful option is to add shaved Parmesan to a Romaine salad. This type of lettuce is a good base for the intense flavour of Parmesan cheese. Combine romaine lettuce with tomatoes and croutons in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper, then slowly whisk in oil. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Shave the Parmesan cheese into thin curls and sprinkle over the salad.
Lemon Parmesan Salad
This salad combines the crispness of lettuce with the tanginess of lemon juice and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese. To make it, chop the lettuce, shallots and lemon zest, then add them to a bowl with salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. Toss to combine, then add grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Toss again and serve immediately.
Caesar Salad
For a classic Caesar salad, a combination of Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese is a popular choice. You can add croutons and bacon for a heartier salad, or keep it simple with just the cheese and dressing.
Butter Lettuce Salad
Parmesan cheese can be a great addition to a butter lettuce salad, especially when paired with other ingredients such as bacon, croutons, and a lemony vinaigrette. The peppery radishes and bitter endive also complement the cheese well.
Grilled Asparagus Salad
For a unique flavour profile, try pairing Parmesan with grilled asparagus dressed in an anchovy-laced Dijon vinaigrette. The cheese helps to balance out the bright, funky flavours of the other ingredients.
Other Options
In addition to these specific salad types, Parmesan cheese can be added to a variety of other salads. It can be used in salads with leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, kale or mixed greens. It can also be combined with other cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, blue cheese or shredded cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
Adding a handful of finely grated Parmesan cheese can elevate your salad. However, the amount of Parmesan cheese added depends on individual preference.
You can shave Parmesan cheese into thin curls or strips using a vegetable peeler. You can also buy shredded Parmesan cheese if you don't want to shave it yourself.
Parmesan cheese goes well with a variety of salads, including arugula, romaine, and red leaf lettuce. You can also add other ingredients such as tomatoes, croutons, lemon zest, and protein like chicken or shrimp.
