You might not guess it, but this is the recipe I’m most excited to share this week. I don’t often share such simple salads that are more of a side than a main. But I wanted to have a salad to recommend to enjoy with other recipes, like yesterday’s zucchini pasta! This is the perfect salad to accompany that dish. I make this for dinner parties, picnics, and oftentimes throughout the week. Essentially, it is my “house salad”. It’s so simple, but it’s not like many other house-style salads because I shake mine up with the most delicious lemon sesame vinaigrette. It is so good! This is best served with steak dinners, plates of pasta, BBQs, and anything else that needs a really great green salad! It’s amazingly adaptable to the greens and herbs you have on hand. Plus, I often top the salad with cherry tomatoes, fresh peach slices, grilled chicken, or steak. There are so many delicious options!
Step 1: make the croutons I like to start with the croutons. Every salad is made better with crunchy croutons, especially a simple garden-style salad. You need that crunch, CRUNCH. I love making mine with torn ciabatta, garlic, and flaky sea salt. These croutons are so easy to make, simply toss and crisp in the oven. Homemade vs store-bought croutons are definitely worth a little extra effort. Step 2: mix the salad Next, the salad greens. My personal favorite mix of greens is red-leaf romaine, baby gem lettuce, and arugula. Then, I always do the biggest handful of whatever fresh herbs I have on hand: basil, dill, cilantro, and/or parsley. Oh, and a bit of thyme is nice, too. Then, the croutons, plus so much parmesan and toasted sesame seeds. I like to add the avocado once I’ve tossed the salad with the vinaigrette.
Step 3: the vinaigrette The vinaigrette is the flavor of this salad. It’s become the salad dressing I make most. A mix of olive oil, toasted sesame oil, lemon juice, champagne vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Using toasted sesame oil with lemon juice, vinegar, and honey is the most delightful flavor combination. No one expects it with a lemon dressing, but it’s the secret, I promise!
Step 4: toss When you’re ready to serve the salad, toss it with the vinaigrette, then add the avocado. It’s amazing because while it is delicious, it’s also wonderful to prepare ahead of time. Just give everything a toss right before serving. Not a lot of effort, but such a gorgeous and delicious end result. This makes a great side salad for any dinner, spring through summer. You can also enjoy it as a meal with some protein like eggs, chicken, or steak. YUM! And if you’re hosting friends for dinner? Make this Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad, it never disappoints, and it doubles as the prettiest centerpiece for any summer table!
Looking for other summer salad recipes? Here are a few ideas: Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad with Tomatoes and Burrata Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Melon Basil Burrata Salad Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad Lastly, if you make this Lemon Parmesan Sesame Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
