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.
FRESH SPRING SALAD WITH EGGPLANT CROUTONS
This salad is delicious! The croutons are out of this world!
Provided by Maryann Brooklyn
Categories Other Salads
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 22
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
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
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
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
Provided by Aaron McCargo Jr.
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 22
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!
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
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
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
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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