Bacon and Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp romaine salad topped with smoky bacon and a bright, tangy dressing made with fresh lemon and parmesan. This mediterranean-inspired salads (low carb, keto) ready in about 25 minutes pairs bacon, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 6 slices bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (8-10 minutes), then transfer to paper towels to drain.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Toss 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce with 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over lettuce and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Divide salad among plates and top with crumbled bacon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon and Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bacon and Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon and Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bacon and Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bacon and Romaine Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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