This simple Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to any dish or base to add your favorite protein for a flavorful and balanced meal.

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I love a simple and fresh salad and this one is so easy! You probably already have the ingredients on hand in your pantry for the vinaigrette. Whip up this salad to go alongside any dish like Lasagna, Sheet Pan Maple Pork, Stuffed Shells or Marry Me Chicken with Orzo.

This salad is perfect as a base for your favorite proteins for a flavor packed main meal. Try Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon, Air Fryer Chili Lime Shrimp, or Greek Meatballs on top.

The recipe will make 8 side salads or 4 main salads.

Any lettuce would be great. I love the combination of romaine lettuce and radicchio. Iceberg lettuce, bib lettuce, red leaf lettuce or butter lettuce are all great choices.

You can add any vegetables to this salad- use what you like or happen to have on hand. I’m using tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers and fresh grated parmesan cheese.

What you need

Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!

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Large Salad Bowl
For the Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
1/2 lemon, juice and zest
1/2 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, grated
1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
For the Salad:
3 hearts of Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
1 small head radicchio, washed and leaves torn
5 scallions, whites and green parts, sliced
2 tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 English cucumber, sliced and halved
Fresh Parmesan cheese- optional

How to make it

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley until well combined.

Add the romaine lettuce, radicchio, scallions, tomatoes, and cucumbers to the bowl.

Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly coated with the bright, flavorful dressing. If the salad seems too dry, add a drizzle more of olive oil.

Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed.

For an extra touch of indulgence, finish the salad with a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @StephGigliotti on social media and #StephRealLife. I would absolutely love to see your finished dish! Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section.

What to serve with this salad

Anything goes with salad! Here are some ideas:

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