Best 4 Crispy Crouton Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our crispy crouton salad, a vibrant and flavorful dish that tantalizes your taste buds. This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring crisp croutons that add a satisfying crunch, tender mixed greens that provide a bed of freshness, and a variety of toppings that elevate the dish to a gourmet experience.

From the classic Caesar salad dressing to the tangy vinaigrette, and the creamy ranch dressing, each recipe offers a unique flavor profile that complements the salad perfectly. Whether you prefer the bold and savory flavors of Caesar dressing, the light and tangy vinaigrette, or the creamy indulgence of ranch, there's a dressing to suit every palate.

Dive into the delectable world of toppings, where you can customize your salad to your heart's desire. From the salty crunch of bacon and the nutty flavor of walnuts to the tangy bite of red onions and the sweetness of dried cranberries, each topping adds a layer of complexity and depth to the dish.

This crispy crouton salad is not just a meal; it's an experience. With its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and symphony of flavors, it's a dish that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your salad experience.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CROUTON SALAD



Crouton Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 (8-ounces) loaf rosemary bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes* see Cook's Note
Olive oil, for drizzling
3 cups packed arugula
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup Citrus-Herb Sauce, see Roasted Citrus-Herb Game Hen recipe
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Place the bread on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until toasted. Set aside to cool.
  • In a medium salad bowl, mix together the cooled croutons, arugula, and pine nuts. Add the Citrus-Herb Sauce. Toss well until all ingredients are coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.
  • *Cook's Note: You can also use olive bread or any plain rustic loaf in place of the rosemary bread.

SALAD CROUTONS



Salad Croutons image

"Homemade croutons are a delight to serve with your favorite mixed green salad-or as a crunchy snack," suggests Fayne Lutz of Taos, New Mexico. Her well-seasoned salad toppers will set you back a mere 4 cents per serving!

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 6 (2-tablespoon) servings.

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup cubed day-old bread
Pinch onion salt

Steps:

  • Pour the oil into an 8-in. square baking pan; add garlic. Bake at 325° until garlic is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add bread and onion salt; stir to coat. Bake 10-12 minutes longer or until the bread is lightly browned, stirring frequently. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 36 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 50mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

BEST CROUTONS EVER



Best Croutons Ever image

These croutons are soft and good. I hate croutons, but I love these!

Provided by Pancake555

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Crouton Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 3

¼ cup butter
4 slices bread
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
  • Cut each bread slice into 16 cubes; add bread cubes and garlic powder to melted butter. Stir to coat. Transfer coated bread cubes to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 84.4 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 126 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

SPRING SALAD WITH CRISPY CHICKEN AND BACONY CROUTONS



Spring Salad with Crispy Chicken and Bacony Croutons image

The rich flavors of crispy, tender chicken and smoky bacon complement the fresh, bright notes of this hearty dinner salad perfect for two.

Provided by Mindy Fox

Categories     Dinner     Chicken     Spring     Salad     Escarole     Bacon     Bread     Shallot     Fennel     Mint     Quick & Easy

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
4 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1" pieces (about 3 strips)
3 ounces country-style bread, sliced 3/4" thick, torn into misshapen 1" pieces (about 2 cups)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
1 shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh shelled or frozen peas (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups trimmed escarole or frisée, torn into small pieces (about 3 ounces)
1/2 small fennel bulb, cored, thinly sliced
2 medium radishes, thinly sliced
1/3 cup mint leaves, torn if large

Steps:

  • Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 475ºF. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Using kitchen shears, remove bones, keeping skin and flesh intact; discard bones. Season chicken all over with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.
  • Heat a medium cast-iron or heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Sear chicken skin side down, undisturbed, 2 minutes. Continue to cook, turning occasionally, until fat renders and skin is golden brown, 4-6 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate. Carefully pour off all but 2 tsp. fat and wipe off any fat that drips onto side or bottom of skillet. Return chicken to skillet skin side up. Transfer to oven and roast chicken, tenting skillet with foil if skin becomes too dark halfway through, until skin crisps and meat is cooked through, 8-12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until just crispy, 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a large heatproof bowl. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat. Heat fat in skillet over medium. Add bread in an even layer, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, turning pieces occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat; add 1 Tbsp. vinegar and toss until absorbed. Let cool a few minutes, then taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer croutons to bowl with bacon.
  • Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a plate; reserve skillet with fat and pan drippings. Let chicken cool 5-10 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces.
  • Cook shallot, peas, 1/8 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in reserved skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, until shallots are softened and peas are cooked, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in oil and remaining 2 Tbsp. vinegar (mixture will bubble) with a heatproof spatula. (If you want to ensure bright green peas, cook them separately in a small saucepan of boiling water or in the microwave and sprinkle over top of salad after plating.)
  • Add escarole, fennel, and radishes to bowl with bacon and croutons. Pour warm dressing over. Toss to combine and slightly wilt greens.
  • Mound salad among plates; nestle in chicken pieces. Top with mint. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • For crispy croutons, use a baguette or other firm bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • For a flavorful salad, use a variety of greens, such as romaine lettuce, arugula, and spinach. Add other vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and celery.
  • Top the salad with croutons, dressing, and crumbled cheese, such as Parmesan or feta.

Conclusion:

A crispy crouton salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With its combination of fresh greens, crispy croutons, and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and healthy meal, give this crispy crouton salad a try!

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