Garden Delight Salad with Anchovy Dressing
This vibrant Garden Delight Salad is a perfect blend of crisp greens and colorful vegetables, inspired by the cherished family recipe from Casa D'Angelo. The combination of iceberg and romaine lettuce creates a refreshing base, while the addition of red and green bell peppers offers a sweet crunch. Crispy bacon adds a savory touch complemented by creamy mozzarella and freshly shredded Parmesan. The unique anchovy dressing, with its rich and savory depth, elevates this dish to a gourmet level. Whether you're serving it for a family gathering or a casual dinner, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a taste of Indiana right at your table with this delectable salad that can be made in under 30 minutes!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
iceberg lettuce
12 ounces (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
romaine lettuce
12 ounces (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
red pepper
1 (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
bacon
4 slices (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
garlic-flavored croutons
1 cup (store-bought)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded, divided into 1/4 cup for salad and for dressing)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
anchovy paste
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
sugar substitute
1 tablespoon (can use real sugar if preferred)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
olive oil or vegetable oil
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, chopped red and green peppers, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix.
2
To prepare the anchovy dressing, add the anchovy paste, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, minced garlic, sugar substitute, cornstarch, and the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese into a blender. Blend until well combined.
3
While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil (or vegetable oil) until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
4
Refrigerate the dressing for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
5
When ready to serve, add croutons to the salad mixture and drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy your Garden Delight Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Garden Delight Salad with Anchovy Dressing?
It is a vibrant salad featuring a blend of crisp greens, colorful vegetables, bacon, and cheeses, topped with a unique, savory anchovy-based dressing.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is categorized as a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What is the inspiration behind this salad recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a cherished family recipe from Casa D'Angelo in Indiana.
What types of lettuce are used in the salad base?
The salad uses 12 ounces of washed and torn iceberg lettuce and 12 ounces of washed and torn romaine lettuce.
Which bell peppers are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one chopped red bell pepper and one chopped green bell pepper.
Is there meat included in the Garden Delight Salad?
Yes, the salad includes four slices of bacon that are cooked until crispy and then crumbled.
What kind of cheeses are needed for this salad?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How is the Parmesan cheese divided in the recipe?
The 1/2 cup of Parmesan is divided: 1/4 cup is added directly to the salad, and the other 1/4 cup is blended into the dressing.
What are the main ingredients for the anchovy dressing?
The dressing consists of anchovy paste, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, sugar substitute, cornstarch, Parmesan, and oil.
Can I use real sugar instead of a sugar substitute in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe notes that real sugar can be used in place of the sugar substitute if preferred.
What is the role of cornstarch in the dressing?
Cornstarch is blended into the dressing to help achieve the desired consistency and texture.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
You can use one cup of either olive oil or vegetable oil for the dressing.
How do I prepare the anchovy dressing?
Add all dressing ingredients except the oil into a blender, then slowly drizzle in the oil while the blender is running until emulsified.
Does the dressing need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should the croutons be added to the salad?
Croutons should be added just before serving when you are ready to drizzle the dressing and toss the salad.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 16 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings.
What kind of croutons are used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests using one cup of store-bought garlic-flavored croutons.
How should the salad be tossed?
The salad should be tossed gently to ensure all ingredients and greens are evenly coated with the dressing without being crushed.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It should be served immediately after tossing with the dressing to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.
Is the anchovy dressing very fishy?
The anchovy paste provides a rich and savory depth rather than an overwhelming fishy taste, elevating the dish to a gourmet level.
What is the preparation for the garlic used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for one garlic clove that has been finely minced.
Can this salad be served as a main dish?
While categorized as a side dish or appetizer, the addition of bacon and cheese makes it substantial enough for a light meal.
What seasoning is added to the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much anchovy paste is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of anchovy paste.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged under 'healthy eating' due to the high volume of fresh vegetables and greens.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the bacon and the anchovy paste in the dressing.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total used to make the salad and the dressing.
Is the red wine vinegar essential for the dressing?
Yes, 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar provides the necessary acidity to balance the oils and savory flavors in the dressing.
What is the primary texture of the Garden Delight Salad?
The texture is characterized by a crisp crunch from the lettuce and peppers, combined with creamy cheese and crispy bacon bits.
Can the salad be pre-mixed without dressing?
Yes, you can combine the lettuces, peppers, bacon, and cheeses in a bowl ahead of time, but wait to add the croutons and dressing until serving.