Imagine a salad so irresistible that it transforms your perception of healthy eating from boring to absolutely mouthwatering. Declan's Salad with Crusty Croutons is not just another green dish—it's a culinary adventure that combines crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and golden, herb-infused croutons that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're a salad enthusiast or someone who typically avoids leafy greens, this recipe is about to change your entire game plan!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and spinning or patting dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, ensuring even and consistent size for balanced presentation.
- Thinly slice red onion using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings that will distribute evenly through the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- If using store-bought croutons, set aside. If making homemade croutons, cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs, then bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- In a large salad bowl, gently combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating of ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.
- Top with crispy croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Declan's Salad.
Tips
- Always use the freshest ingredients possible—crisp greens and ripe tomatoes make all the difference.
- For maximum flavor, let your vinaigrette sit for 5-10 minutes before dressing the salad to allow the ingredients to meld.
- If making homemade croutons, use day-old bread for the best texture and to reduce food waste.
- Add croutons just before serving to maintain their satisfying crunch.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a complete meal.
- Experiment with different cheese variations like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep ingredients in advance, but dress the salad only moments before serving to prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
