Best 8 Zesty Crouton Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing Zesty Crouton Salad, featuring a medley of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. Crisp croutons, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, form the base of this vibrant salad. Succulent cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, while crumbled feta cheese adds a salty tang. Sliced red onion provides a sharp bite, balanced by the fresh crunch of cucumbers. This tantalizing salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, offering three distinct variations to suit your preferences. Choose from a classic vinaigrette, a creamy Caesar dressing, or a zesty Greek dressing, each adding a unique twist to this delightful dish. Read on to discover the detailed recipes for each variation and elevate your salad game to new heights.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CRISPY CROUTON SALAD



Crispy Crouton Salad image

Nothing says "summer" at our house like this unique salad! It's also a great way to use up fresh basil and tomatoes from the garden. I've brought it to many women's luncheons at church, and it's still a much-requested favorite. --LaNae Sanchez, Canyon Country, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups cubed Italian bread
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
6 ounces cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup minced fresh basil
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons white or brown balsamic vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place bread cubes in a single layer in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 450° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring twice. Cool., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella, yellow pepper and basil. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 194mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CAESAR SALAD WITH SPICY PANCETTA AND CORNBREAD CROUTONS



Caesar Salad with Spicy Pancetta and Cornbread Croutons image

This recipe marks the first time I remember making something and feeling the essence of timing in cooking: the buttered dish, the preheated oven and the melted butter cooling slightly while I gathered and blended all the other ingredients. SO satisfying.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 1/4 cups coarsely ground cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing the pan
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 large cloves garlic, grated
Kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon caper juice
2/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup canola oil
3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped, plus 1/2 teaspoon anchovy oil, optional
Parmesan, for grating
3 heads romaine, outer leaves discarded, washed, dried and cut into 1-inch pieces
16 to 20 thin slices pancetta, cooked crispy like bacon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • For the cornbread: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk, milk and eggs. Whisk in the melted butter.
  • Coat the sides and bottom of a 9-inch skillet with the remaining butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and bake until the center is firm and a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool. Cut half of the cornbread into cubes. (Devour the other half with butter and jam.)
  • For the dressing: Combine the mustard, garlic, a pinch salt and about 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper in a food processor. Pulse to blend. With the machine running, pour the lemon juice and caper juice into the mix. Slowly pour in the olive oil and then the canola oil. Transfer the dressing to a bowl. Taste for seasoning. Too lemony? Add more oil. Too oily, add more lemon. Stir in the anchovies, anchovy oil and a few tablespoons grated Parmesan. Refrigerate. (See Cook's Note.)
  • For the salad: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Spread the cornbread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until browned and toasty, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Add about three quarters of the dressing to a large bowl and toss the romaine with the dressing. Grate some Parmesan over the leaves. Use a tea strainer or sifter to sprinkle the pancetta with an even, light layer of the cayenne. Top with salad with the pancetta and warm cornbread croutons and serve immediately.

ZESTY HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Zesty Homemade Croutons image

These are good.

Provided by Eve Peterson @mumm6

Categories     Other Side Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package(s) rye bread(light or dark)
1 package(s) white or wheat bread
1 cup(s) olive oil
1/2 cup(s) parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon(s) garlic powder
1 tablespoon(s) italian seasoning
1 tablespoon(s) pepper
1 teaspoon(s) salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375. Cut bread into 1 inch cubes. Put in large bowl and drizzle olive oil over bread until well coated. Sprinkle cheese, garlic powder, italian seasoning, and salt and pepper over bread cubes and mix. Transfer to large baking pan or cookie sheet and arrange to one layer. Bake 10 min. remove pan from oven and stir. Bake for 10 more min. or until desired crunchiness. Cool on pan and transfer to air-tight container.(Day old bread can be used).

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.

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.

CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE TAPENADE CROUTONS



Caesar Salad with Homemade Tapenade Croutons image

Provided by Wolfgang Puck

Categories     Salad     Garlic     Leafy Green     Olive     Oscars     Lunch     Parmesan     Fall     Winter     Lettuce     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Croutons:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
One 1-pound loaf of day-old bread, preferably sourdough, sliced and cut into large cubes (about 2 cups)
1 recipe Black and Green Olive Tapenade
Salad:
2 heads of baby romaine lettuce, or 1 large head of romaine
1 recipe Caesar Vinaigrette
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • 2. Make the croutons: In a medium bowl, combine the oil, cheese, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Add the bread and toss, coating all the croutons.
  • 3. Arrange the croutons in a single layer on a baking tray and bake until golden, turning to brown all sides. Cool and store in a cool, dry place.
  • 4. Make the salad: Trim the lettuce and toss with some of the Caesar Vinaigrette . Arrange on salad plates and sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  • 5. Spread one side of your croutons with a thin layer of the Black and Green Olive Tapenade . Arrange atop the salads and serve immediately.

ZESTY SOUTHWEST CORN SALAD



Zesty Southwest Corn Salad image

Easy and delicious, this salad is refreshing with your summer grilled dishes.

Provided by CookingQueen

Categories     Corn Salad

Time 20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 (16 ounce) packages frozen corn, thawed and drained
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced green bell pepper
⅓ cup diced red onion
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Combine corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl.
  • Whisk olive oil, cilantro, vinegar, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne together in a small bowl. Add dressing to corn mixture just before serving and toss well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 139.5 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 8.6 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

GREEN BEAN CAESAR SALAD WITH ZESTY TORN CROUTONS RECIPE BY TASTY



Green Bean Caesar Salad With Zesty Torn Croutons Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: Simple Truth™Artisan Baguette, Simple Truth™ Organic Lemon, Simple Truth™ Organic Ground Garlic Powder, kosher salt, Simple Truth™ Organic Filtered Extra Virgin Olive Oil, kosher salt, Simple Truth™ Organic Green Beans, Simple Truth™ Plant-Based Caesar Dressing, Simple Truth™ Organic Raw Pumpkin Seeds, freshly ground black pepper, Simple Truth™ Organic Aged Parmesan Cheese

Provided by Kroger

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 Simple Truth™Artisan Baguette
1 Simple Truth™ Organic Lemon, 1/2 teaspoon reserved for garnish, zested
¼ teaspoon Simple Truth™ Organic Ground Garlic Powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ tablespoons Simple Truth™ Organic Filtered Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 lb Simple Truth™ Organic Green Beans, ends trimmed
½ cup Simple Truth™ Plant-Based Caesar Dressing
1 tablespoon Simple Truth™ Organic Raw Pumpkin Seeds
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Simple Truth™ Organic Aged Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Tear the baguette into ½-inch pieces. You should have about 2 cups.
  • Add the bread pieces to a large bowl and toss with the lemon zest, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat.
  • Spread the croutons in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and toast, stirring halfway through, for 15-20 minutes, or until dried and starting to turn golden brown.
  • While the croutons toast, prepare the green beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add the salt. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  • Add the Simple Truth™ Organic Green Beans to the boiling water and cook for 4-6 minutes, until slightly tender, but still crisp. Drain the beans, then immediately transfer to the ice bath and let sit for 2 minutes, until cool. Transfer the green beans to a paper towel and pat dry.
  • Stack the green beans on a serving platter and drizzle with the Simple Truth™ Plant-Based Caesar Dressing. Sprinkle with the Simple Truth™ Organic Raw Pumpkin Seeds, the pepper, and reserved ½ teaspoon lemon zest. Top with the croutons and shaved Simple Truth™ Organic Aged Parmesan Cheese.
  • Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your salad. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and flavorful croutons.
  • Make your own croutons: Homemade croutons are easy to make and taste much better than store-bought croutons. Simply toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until golden brown.
  • Use a light hand with the dressing: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing will overwhelm the salad and make it soggy.
  • Add some crunch: Croutons, nuts, and seeds add a nice crunchy texture to salads. They also help to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Experiment with different greens: There are many different types of greens that you can use in salads. Try arugula, spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce for a change of pace.

Conclusion:

Zesty crouton salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and healthy salad that everyone will love.

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