Simple Side Salad
Your new go-to side salad! Pairs well with everything, rounding out any meal. Includes homemade croutons (yes, please!) and an easy dressing!
Ingredients
For the croutons
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups ciabatta, baguette or sourdough bread cubes
For the all-purpose dressing
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 1 carrot, grated
- ¼ small onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup sliced toasted almonds
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
Instructions
For the croutons
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley and garlic powder; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Stir in olive oil mixture and gently toss to combine. Place into oven and bake until crisp and golden, about 13-15 minutes; set aside.
For the all-purpose dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, oregano and garlic powder; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
For the salad
- To assemble the salad, place romaine in a large bowl; top with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot, onion, almonds, Parmesan and croutons. Pour half the dressing on top of the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve with remaining dressing, if desired.