Refreshing Romaine Salad

Refreshing Romaine Salad is a perfect choice when you need something light and crisp. The cool, crunchy romaine lettuce brings a fresh start to any meal, and it’s quick to prepare! This salad is ideal for hot summer days, offering a satisfying mix of greens and veggies that will make your taste buds smile. With every bite of the Refreshing Romaine Salad, you’ll taste the simple, bright flavors that blend so well together.

Ingredients

To make your Refreshing Romaine Salad, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Start with fresh romaine lettuce, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Add juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy radishes for a colorful boost. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a handful of nuts can add extra flavor and texture. For the dressing, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper is all you need to tie everything together.

Preparation

Making the Refreshing Romaine Salad is so easy. Simply toss the romaine lettuce and veggies together in a large bowl. Then, drizzle your homemade dressing over the top. The tangy lemon juice pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the vegetables. Toss everything gently, ensuring each piece of lettuce and veggie is lightly coated with the dressing. It only takes a few minutes to put together, but it’s a salad that tastes like it took much longer.

A Light, Delicious Meal

The Refreshing Romaine Salad is not just quick and easy, but it’s also healthy and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own, this salad is a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients. You can even add some grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. With the flavors of the Refreshing Romaine Salad, every bite will feel like a refreshing moment during your day.

Chef’s Notes- Refreshing Romaine Salad

• Uniform Slicing for Texture Harmony: Slice the apple, cucumber, and red onion uniformly for an even texture and consistent flavor in every bite. A mandoline slicer can make this process quick and precise.
• Chill Ingredients for Extra Crispness: For maximum crunch, refrigerate the romaine lettuce, apple, cucumber, and red onion before assembling. Cold ingredients enhance the salad’s refreshing quality.
• Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before pouring it over the salad. If it’s too tangy, add a pinch of sugar; if it’s too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar.
• Make it Ahead: Prep the dressing and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep everything fresh. Assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Customizable Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of gochugaru or use crushed red pepper flakes as an alternative. For a milder option, omit the gochugaru entirely.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Tip: To make this salad 100% vegan, substitute Korean fish sauce with extra soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Sesame Seeds Upgrade: Lightly toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until golden brown to deepen their flavor and enhance their aroma.
• Add a Protein Boost: Turn this salad into a hearty main dish by adding grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for a protein-packed meal.
• Double the Dressing: If you love extra dressing, consider doubling the recipe and using leftovers for future salads or as a marinade for tofu or chicken.
• Presentation Perfection: For a more elegant presentation, layer the ingredients instead of tossing them. Place romaine as the base, then fan out the apple, cucumber, and red onion on top. Drizzle the dressing right before serving.

Refreshing Romaine Salad

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Salad, Side DishCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Calories

29

kcal

Total time

10

minutes

Dive into the crisp freshness of our Refreshing Romaine Salad! Perfectly balanced with crunchy romaine, juicy apples, and a tangy Korean-inspired dressing, this salad is a vibrant addition to any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a Korean BBQ night or seeking a healthy side, this recipe delivers flavor and nutrition effortlessly. Celebrity chefs rave about its simplicity and versatility—experience the delight yourself and elevate your dining table with this delightful mix of textures and tastes!

Ingredients

• Fresh Greens

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• Fruits Vegetables

• 1 medium apple or nashi pear peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion thinly sliced

• Garnish

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

• Dressing

• 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Korean fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) optional

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Romaine Lettuce: Substitute with iceberg or butter lettuce.

• Apple/Nashi Pear: Use pear mango, or strawberries for a different sweetness.

• Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option.

• Korean Fish Sauce: Use soy sauce or omit for a vegetarian version.

• Gochugaru: Substitute with red pepper flakes for heat.

Directions

• Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, Korean fish sauce, and gochugaru if using. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth and balanced dressing. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld, approximately 2 minutes.
• Assemble the Salad – In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced apple or nashi pear, cucumber, and red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients, tossing gently to ensure even coating without bruising the greens. This should take about 3 minutes.
• Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added texture and flavor. For an extra touch, you can add optional ingredients like sliced almonds or grilled chicken. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness of the salad, taking approximately 1 minute.

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• whisk
• slicing knife

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 29kcal
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 2000IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 0.3mg

FAQ- Refreshing Romaine Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to store the ingredients separately to maintain freshness. Store the chopped romaine, sliced apple, cucumber, and onion in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar, and toss everything together right before serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything fresh and crisp.

How do I keep the apples or pears from browning?

To prevent the apple or nashi pear slices from browning, you can soak them in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice for a few minutes. Pat dry before adding them to the salad.

What can I use instead of Korean fish sauce?

You can replace Korean fish sauce with soy sauce, tamari (for gluten-free), or even coconut aminos for a lighter option. For a fully vegan option, use extra soy sauce instead.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk it before using, as some separation may occur.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more substantial as a main dish, add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or shrimp. You can also add crunchy elements like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and satiety.