Introduction

Crouton salad is a delightful twist on traditional salad recipes, featuring crunchy croutons that add a satisfying texture and flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course, this salad combines fresh vegetables with golden, crispy croutons and a flavorful dressing. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, this crouton salad is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as Parmesan or Cheddar)
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

  • Wash Greens: Rinse and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly.
  • Chop Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
  • Prepare Cheese: Shred or grate the cheese if not using pre-shredded.

2. Make the Dressing

  • Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad

  • Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheese.
  • Add Croutons: Top the salad with croutons for added crunch.

4. Dress the Salad

  • Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

5. Serve

  • Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the croutons at their crispiest.

Tips for Perfect Crouton Salad

  • Homemade Croutons: For extra flavor, make your own croutons using stale bread, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Toast them until golden and crisp.
  • Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced olives, roasted peppers, or avocado to suit your taste.
  • Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the croutons crispy, add the dressing right before serving the salad.

Conclusion

Crouton salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines the crunch of croutons with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Whether you make your own croutons or use store-bought, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful mix of textures and tastes in every bite!