Grandpa Dressing Salad
Discover the timeless charm of Grandpa Dressing Salad, a wholesome and nostalgic dish packed with fresh veggies and homemade flair. This vibrant salad combines crisp romaine lettuce and tender baby spinach with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and zingy red onion. The star of the show is the golden, oven-baked croutons made from stale bread tossed in olive oil and seasonings—a clever, waste-free touch. Drizzled with a tangy, homemade dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic, this salad delivers bold, well-balanced flavors with a touch of comfort. Perfectly finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (optional), it’s a quick and crowd-pleasing option ready in just 30 minutes. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or a starter, Grandpa Dressing Salad is your new go-to for refreshing, home-cooked goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 2 slices stale bread (for croutons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cup olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce and baby spinach. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and add to a large salad bowl along with the baby spinach.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Peel and thinly slice the cucumber into rounds. Thinly slice the red onion. Add all of these to the salad bowl.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the stale bread into small 1/2-inch cubes to make croutons.
Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Let the croutons cool before adding to the salad.
Prepare the homemade dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and minced garlic clove until fully combined.
Just before serving, toss the salad with the dressing to coat evenly. Top with the cooled croutons and freshly grated parmesan cheese if using.
Serve immediately and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Grandpa Dressing Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1189 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.5 g | 120% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 1978 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.3 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.5 g | ||
| Protein | 22.8 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 492 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2025 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
