Description
Zesty chopped romaine salad delivers a crisp Mediterranean-inspired medley of fresh ingredients. Crunchy vegetables, tangy feta, and herbed vinaigrette promise delightful flavors you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 ears fresh corn (about 1 cup of kernels)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- ⅓ cup (79 mL / 2.7 fl oz) Marie’s® Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
- 2 tsps olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Crouton Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), line baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly spray with cooking oil. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating. Spread cubes in a single layer and bake for 10 minutes, stirring midway to achieve uniform golden-brown color. Allow croutons to cool and crisp completely.
- Corn Roasting: Grill corn over high heat, rotating to develop light charred marks, or alternatively, spread kernels on a baking sheet and broil for 3 minutes until lightly caramelized and sizzling.
- Lettuce Preparation: Thoroughly rinse romaine lettuce under cool water, then dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Slice into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Salad Assembly: Drizzle blue cheese dressing over lettuce, gently tossing to coat each leaf without crushing the delicate greens. Garnish with grilled corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly baked homemade croutons.
- Serving: Present immediately to preserve the crispness of croutons and the salad’s vibrant freshness.
Notes
- Crouton Crispness Control: Ensure even baking by spreading bread cubes in a single layer and stirring halfway through cooking for uniform golden-brown texture.
- Corn Caramelization Technique: Char corn either by grilling directly or broiling to develop rich, smoky flavor and enhance natural sweetness.
- Lettuce Prep Perfection: Completely dry lettuce after washing to prevent dressing from becoming watery and maintain crisp salad texture.
- Dress with Delicacy: Gently toss dressing to coat leaves evenly without bruising the delicate romaine, preserving the salad’s fresh appearance and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg