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IRRESISTIBLE LEMON PARMESAN DRESSING – RICH, TANGY, AND PERFECT FOR BITTER GREENS

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IRRESISTIBLE LEMON PARMESAN DRESSING – RICH, TANGY, AND PERFECT FOR BITTER GREENS

IRRESISTIBLE LEMON PARMESAN DRESSING – RICH, TANGY, AND PERFECT FOR BITTER GREENS

This addictive dressing is so delicious I’ve literally licked the bowl and spoon — a common occurrence when I make creamy dessert fillings! It’s perfect for any salad, especially those with bitter or herbal greens like arugula, lettuce, frisée, or asparagus, making them more approachable and flavorful.

Though richer in calories, its intense flavor means just 1-2 tablespoons are enough to elevate your salad.

🕒 Prep Time: 5 min

🍽️ Yield: ~200 ml
Calories: Approx. 1100 cal total (~75 cal per tablespoon)

Ingredients

  • 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano (use high-quality cheese, freshly grated on a microplane)
  • Zest of 1 small organic lemon
  • 50 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 1 heaping tsp mustard
  • Freshly ground black pepper, generous amount
  • A pinch of salt
  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan; freshly grate a quality piece finely at home with a microplane.
  2. In a small blender or with an immersion blender, combine Parmesan, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, generous black pepper, and salt. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a thin stream while blending continuously, similar to making mayonnaise, until a creamy yellow dressing forms.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice. If the dressing is too thick to pour easily, add a little water while blending until it flows smoothly from a spoon.
  5. Store in the fridge for at least one week. The dressing will keep its creamy texture without separating.

💡 Tips

  • Use the best quality Parmigiano Reggiano for authentic flavor.
  • Freshly grated cheese makes a big difference in texture and taste.
  • Black pepper adds a bold contrast to the sharp lemon and cheese.
  • Adding water thins the dressing without losing creaminess.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Salads with bitter or herbal greens (arugula, frisée, asparagus)
  • Dressing for roasted or grilled vegetables
  • Enhancing simple mixed greens

📝 Final Thoughts

This lemon Parmesan dressing offers a vibrant, tangy, and creamy boost to any salad, turning even the most bitter greens into a delightful treat with just a spoonful.