Best 6 Fresh Spring Salad With Eggplant Croutons Recipes

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Spring is in the air, and it's time to celebrate with a fresh and flavorful salad. This Spring Salad with Eggplant Croutons is the perfect way to enjoy the season's bounty. With roasted eggplant, crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing, this salad is a feast for the senses. The eggplant croutons add a delightful crunch and smoky flavor, making this salad extra special. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of spring! Also included in this article are recipes for three additional spring salads:

- **Arugula Salad with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese:** This salad is a colorful and flavorful combination of arugula, roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette.

- **Quinoa Salad with Asparagus and Feta:** This protein-packed salad features quinoa, asparagus, feta cheese, and a lemony dressing.

- **Kale Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Tahini Dressing:** This hearty salad is made with kale, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a creamy tahini dressing.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

FRESH SPRING SALAD WITH EGGPLANT CROUTONS



Fresh Spring Salad with Eggplant Croutons image

This salad is delicious! The croutons are out of this world!

Provided by Maryann Brooklyn

Categories     Other Salads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 22

canola oil, for frying
1/2 c all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 c seasoned italian bread crumbs
1 eggplant, peeled & diced into 1/2-inch cubes
salt
FRESH SALAD & VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 c red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
3/4 c olive oil, extra virgin
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 Tbsp chopped basil leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1 heart romaine, chopped
10 basil leaves, torn
10 parsley leaves
1/4 c grated parmesan
1/2 c halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bag spring mix greens

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat a fryer to 375 degrees F. In separate shallow dishes add flour, egg and bread crumbs. Coat the eggplant cubes in the flour, then the egg and finally through the bread crumbs. Carefully add the cubes to the fryer and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the fryer to a paper towel lined platter to drain. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.
  • 2. Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic and mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to combine and emulsify. Add the herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside to dress salad. In a large serving bowl, toss together the greens, herbs, cheese, tomatoes and onion. Toss with the desired amount of dressing, top with eggplant croutons and serve.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) CROUTONS



Eggplant (Aubergine) Croutons image

I found this recipe when I was watching my carbs. It was described as a substitute for salad croutons, and I think they would be great that way. But, I've also used them as a chip for hummus, and it is a great combination. By the way, Japanese eggplants are smaller skinny eggplants.

Provided by karen

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 15-20 croutons, 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 large Japanese eggplants
salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Slice eggplant into rounds and 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
  • Place slices directly on an oven rack, carefully laying them out so they don't fall between the bars. Bake for 20 minutes or until the eggplant shrinks and becomes dry.
  • Lightly rinse each slice to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Combine oil and paprika in a small frying pan.
  • Oven medium-high heat, cook each slice on both sides until crips and browned, 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

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.

DEEP-FRIED EGGPLANT CROUTONS



Deep-Fried Eggplant Croutons image

Provided by Aaron McCargo Jr.

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

Canola oil, for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
1 eggplant, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 bag spring mix greens
1 heart romaine, chopped
10 basil leaves, torn
10 fresh oregano leaves
10 parsley leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat a fryer to 375 degrees F.
  • In separate shallow dishes add flour, egg and bread crumbs. Coat the eggplant cubes in the flour, then the egg and finally through the bread crumbs. Carefully add the cubes to the fryer and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the fryer to a paper towel lined platter to drain. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.
  • Vinaigrette:
  • In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic and mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to combine and emulsify. Add the herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside to dress salad.
  • In a large serving bowl, toss together the greens, herbs, cheese, tomatoes and onion.
  • Toss with the desired amount of dressing, top with eggplant croutons and serve.

DEEP-FRIED EGGPLANT CROUTONS WITH A SALAD!



Deep-Fried Eggplant Croutons With a Salad! image

Make and share this Deep-Fried Eggplant Croutons With a Salad! recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

canola oil, for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 eggplant, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
salt
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 (6 ounce) bag mixed spring greens
1 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
10 basil leaves, torn
10 fresh oregano leaves
10 fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat a fryer to 375 degrees F.
  • In separate shallow dishes add flour, egg and bread crumbs. Coat the eggplant cubes in the flour, then the egg and finally through the bread crumbs. Carefully add the cubes to the fryer and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the fryer to a paper towel lined platter to drain. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.
  • Vinaigrette:
  • In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic and mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to combine and emulsify. Add the herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside to dress salad.
  • In a large serving bowl, toss together the greens, herbs, cheese, tomatoes and onion.
  • Toss with the desired amount of dressing, top with eggplant croutons and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689.2, Fat 48.8, SaturatedFat 8.4, Cholesterol 164.4, Sodium 1317.7, Carbohydrate 49.5, Fiber 10.4, Sugar 8, Protein 17.1

GREENS WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Greens with Homemade Croutons image

A lively salad of fresh greens gets a flavorful boost from homemade croutons baked with tarragon, thyme and basil. - Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

5 slices day-old French bread (1/2 inch thick), cubed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1 teaspoon minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
DRESSING:
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash celery salt
SALAD:
2 cups spring mix salad greens
2 cups torn romaine or fresh baby spinach
1/2 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Place bread cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with butter; toss lightly. Sprinkle with seasonings; toss to combine. Arrange in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 14-18 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Top with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 386mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables: This will ensure that your salad is packed with flavor and nutrients.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables: There are endless possibilities when it comes to salad ingredients, so don't be afraid to mix and match different vegetables to create your own unique salad.
  • Make sure to wash your vegetables thoroughly before using them: This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria.
  • Dry your vegetables thoroughly before adding them to the salad: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a light dressing: A heavy dressing can overwhelm the flavors of the vegetables. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing is a good option.
  • Serve the salad immediately: Salads are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, store the dressing and vegetables separately and assemble the salad just before serving.

Conclusion:

This fresh spring salad with eggplant croutons is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the bounty of the season. The salad is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and flavors, and the eggplant croutons add a crispy, savory touch. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

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