Viral Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad

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This easy crunchy lemon parmesan salad recipe went viral all over social media.  Fresh, cheesy, and flavorful. Takes less than 10 minutes to put together right in the salad bowl.

Viral Nana’s Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad 

Why did this recipe go viral? The creator, Erin O’Brien, posted her Nana’s Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad and it does not disappoint. It has millions of views on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. 

Quick and easy salad recipes are so popular in the spring and summer and this is so simple to make with only six ingredients. 

What’s not to love? Light and crunchy lettuce tossed with an olive oil lemon dressing and fresh Parmesan cheese. Yum. 

Love Pasta? - Check out 17 The Best Viral TikTok Pasta Recipes List !!

Jump to:

• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Tips and Suggestions 
• How To Serve Crunch Lemon Parmesan Salad
• Leftovers and Make Ahead 
• Step By Step Photos and Directions 
• Viral Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad

Ingredients and Substitutions

Lettuce - Romaine Hearts are best because of their crunchy texture and mellow sweet flavor. Can substitute it with tender butter lettuce, healthy kale, or add some peppery arugula. 

Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil or substitute your favorite neutral salad oil like avocado or sunflower oil. 

Parmesan Cheese - Freshly finely grated parmesan cheese would be delicious but pre-grated is such a time saver. Substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a delicious swap. 

Fresh Lemon- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred. You can substitute the bottled lemon juice if you're really in a pinch but unfortunately, it just doesn’t have that fresh flavor. 

Salt and Black Pepper - Coarsely ground or cracked fresh black pepper and crunchy flakey Molten Sea Salt just gives the salad a boost in flavor. 

Tips and Suggestions 

If you are rinsing your chopped romaine hearts, make sure to use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible. It helps to keep it nice and crunchy longer. 

Add as little or as much fresh lemon juice as preferred, lemons can be tangy and sour. Taste and adjust. 

Add the zest of the fresh lemon for an extra punch of flavor.  

Want more crunch? Add croutons, crumbled parmesan cheese crisps, or toasted nuts. 

How To Serve Crunch Lemon Parmesan Salad

This is the perfect salad course starter or side dish alongside a pasta dish, casserole, or meat entree. 

Try these easy viral tiktok recipes Cheesy Tortellini Bake or Chicken Cobbler Casserole. 

Leftovers and Make Ahead 

Prep all the ingredients separately ahead of time. Add the lettuce and cheese into the salad bowl and store covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve this salad, it can be quickly mixed together and ready in under 5 minutes. 

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I tasted this salad the next day and it was not as crunchy, just for you to be aware it’s best the same day. 

Step By Step Photos and Directions 

1. Grab all the ingredients. Romaine hearts, lemon, extra virgin olive oil. parmesan cheese, flaky salt, and fresh black pepper.

2. Chop the romaine lettuce. Rinse and add them to a salad spinner. Spin until as much excess water is removed. Place into a large salad bowl.

3. Cut the fresh lemon and squeeze the juice into a small bowl.

4. Grab all your prepped ingredients and you are ready to toss them together right in the salad bowl.

4. Add the fresh lemon juice. Remember to add little or as much as preferred, lemons can be tangy and sour. Taste and adjust. 

5. Add extra virgin olive oil.

6. Add flakey salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Toss well.

7. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and slice lemons. Ready to serve. Enjoy.