Description
Mediterranean-inspired chopped romaine salad sparkles with tangy blue cheese crumbles and crisp vegetable medley. Fresh ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a zesty dish you’ll crave for light lunches or elegant side accompaniments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 ears fresh corn (about 1 cup of kernels)
- 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
Seasoning and Dressing:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup Marie’s® Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft golden, crispy croutons by coating bread cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper, then bake on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F until perfectly golden and crunchy, approximately 10 minutes.
- Prepare corn by either char-grilling on the cob or broiling kernels until they develop a smoky, caramelized exterior, seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Thoroughly cleanse romaine lettuce, spinning dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and fresh base for the salad.
- Generously coat the lettuce with robust blue cheese dressing, ensuring each leaf is lavishly covered with creamy, tangy goodness.
- Transfer dressed lettuce into individual serving vessels, creating an inviting presentation.
- Adorn the salad with vibrant roasted corn kernels, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the freshly baked homemade croutons for textural contrast and visual appeal.
- Serve the salad immediately to maintain the crispness of the croutons and the optimal temperature of the ingredients.
Notes
- Crouton Creation: Crisp homemade croutons elevate this salad from ordinary to extraordinary, adding delightful crunch and robust flavor with minimal effort.
- Corn Cooking Hack: Broiling or grilling corn intensifies its natural sweetness, creating smoky charred spots that provide exciting texture and depth.
- Cheese Dressing Magic: Chunky blue cheese dressing coats romaine lettuce completely, ensuring every bite bursts with tangy, creamy goodness.
- Temperature Timing: Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crisp croutons and vibrant corn temperature, preventing soggy ingredients.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Easily swap ingredients based on availability, making this recipe adaptable for year-round enjoyment with fresh market produce.
- Quick Preparation: Total cooking time under 20 minutes makes this salad perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg