Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad
Looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad to enjoy? This Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad is the perfect choice! With a combination of tangy lemon, nutty sesame, and savory parmesan, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish for a special occasion, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of flavors in this salad is simply amazing – from the zesty lemon to the nutty sesame and the rich parmesan.
- This salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal prep option.
- The versatility of this salad allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a great option for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes:
Salad:
- Ciabatta bread adds a crunchy texture to the salad.
- Garlic and extra virgin olive oil provide a flavorful base.
- Mixed salad greens and fresh herbs add freshness.
- Parmesan cheese and toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty taste.
- Avocados can be cubed or sliced for added creaminess.
Lemon Sesame Vinaigrette:
- Extra virgin olive oil and toasted sesame oil create a rich and flavorful dressing.
- Lemon juice and champagne vinegar add brightness.
- Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine torn ciabatta bread, grated garlic, and olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Add mixed salad greens, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, and avocados.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crunch, toast the ciabatta bread before adding it to the salad.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Store the dressing separately if making the salad ahead of time to prevent sogginess.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overdress the salad – start with a little vinaigrette and add more as needed to avoid a soggy salad.
Serving Suggestions:
This Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss before serving. Avoid reheating the salad as the ingredients may wilt.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
- What can I substitute for ciabatta bread?
- Any crusty bread like baguette or sourdough can be used as a substitute.
- How can I make this salad more filling?
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad more substantial.
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?
- Yes, you can substitute parmesan with pecorino, asiago, or feta cheese for a different flavor.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it!
PrintLemon Parmesan Sesame Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad is a refreshing mix of torn ciabatta bread, mixed salad greens, fresh herbs, grated parmesan cheese, toasted sesame seeds, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty lemon sesame vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups torn ciabatta bread
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup mixed fresh herbs: basil, dill, thyme
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 – 2 avocados, cubed or sliced
Lemon Sesame vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Toss torn ciabatta bread with grated garlic and olive oil, then bake until crispy. In a large bowl, combine the bread, salad greens, herbs, parmesan, sesame seeds, and avocado.
- Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Assemble: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This salad can be customized with additional protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Feel free to add more herbs or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg