Description
Crisp romaine leaves mingle with zesty ranch dressing in this classic chopped salad. Crunchy bacon bits and tangy cheese elevate this simple yet irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Produce Ingredients:
- 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 Oil:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) Marie’s® Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, lightly coated with cooking spray.
- Toss bread cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until evenly coated. Spread the cubes across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake croutons for 10 minutes, stirring midway to ensure uniform browning. Remove from oven and let cool completely, allowing them to crisp further.
- Prepare corn by brushing with olive oil and grilling over high heat until kernels develop light charred marks, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
- Alternatively, remove corn kernels from cob and spread on a baking sheet, then broil for 3 minutes until lightly caramelized and sizzling.
- Thoroughly wash romaine lettuce under cool running water, then dry completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the dried lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle blue cheese dressing over lettuce, gently tossing to coat each leaf without crushing the delicate greens.
- Top the dressed salad with grilled corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and the freshly baked homemade croutons.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the croutons and the freshness of the salad.
Notes
- Croutons transform ordinary bread into crunchy, golden treasures with just olive oil and seasoning.
- Grilling corn adds smoky depth, bringing sweet charred kernels that pop with summer flavor.
- Blue cheese dressing coats crisp romaine leaves, creating a creamy, tangy backdrop for fresh ingredients.
- Broiling or grilling techniques elevate simple vegetables, unlocking intense caramelized notes.
- Cherry tomatoes burst with juicy brightness, providing vibrant color and fresh contrast to the salad.
- Careful ingredient preparation ensures each bite delivers maximum texture and taste sensation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg