Hearty Tuscan Croûton Salad
This Hearty Tuscan Croûton Salad offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian panzanella by incorporating crispy croûtons for added texture and flavor. The bed of mixed greens, combined with creamy cannellini beans, juicy grape tomatoes, and tangy red onions, creates a vibrant medley of colors and tastes. The addition of kalamata olives enhances the salad with a briny kick, while the balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together with its rich, tangy profile. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and wholesome appeal.
6
Servings
142
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed Salad Greens
1 (10 ounce) bag (Romaine and leaf lettuce mix)
Cannellini Beans
1 (19 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained)
Large Croutons
2 cups
Grape Tomatoes
1 cup
Red Onion
1/2 cup (Thinly sliced)
Kalamata Olives
1/3 cup (Pitted and cut in half)
Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/3 cup
Parmesan or Romano Cheese
To taste (Freshly grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, rinsed cannellini beans, large croutons, grape tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and halved kalamata olives.
2
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture, then gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3
For the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top, if desired.
4
Toss gently one more time before serving to distribute the cheese.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
16.3g
Carbs
4.2g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tuscan Croûton Salad?
It is a twist on the classic Italian panzanella featuring crispy croutons, mixed greens, beans, and vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of beans are included in this salad?
The recipe uses one 19-ounce can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 142 calories.
What kind of salad greens should I use?
The recipe calls for a 10-ounce bag of mixed salad greens, specifically a romaine and leaf lettuce mix.
What type of dressing is recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of balsamic vinaigrette.
How many grams of fat are in each serving?
There are 6.7g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad offer?
Each serving provides 4.2g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate details for this recipe?
There are 16.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the Hearty Tuscan Croûton Salad?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fiber.
What kind of olives are used in the salad?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of pitted and halved kalamata olives.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced, using about 1/2 cup.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of grape tomatoes.
Is cheese included in the Hearty Tuscan Croûton Salad?
Yes, freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese can be added to taste as an optional finishing touch.
How do I assemble the salad?
Combine greens, beans, croutons, tomatoes, onion, and olives in a bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss until evenly coated.
How many total ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I serve this salad as a side dish?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
What is the texture of this salad like?
It offers a variety of textures, including crispy croutons, creamy beans, and juicy tomatoes.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh, wholesome ingredients.
What size croutons should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of large croutons.
What is the first step in the instructions?
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, rinsed cannellini beans, large croutons, grape tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and halved kalamata olives.
When should I add the Parmesan or Romano cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese on top as a finishing touch after the dressing has been tossed with the other ingredients.
What makes the flavor profile of this salad unique?
The combination of creamy cannellini beans, tangy red onions, briny kalamata olives, and rich balsamic vinaigrette creates a vibrant taste.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, the cannellini beans should be both rinsed and drained before being added to the bowl.
Can I use Romano cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, the recipe suggests either freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese depending on your preference.
How do I ensure the dressing is well distributed?
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Is this a traditional panzanella recipe?
It is a twist on the classic Italian panzanella, using croutons and mixed greens instead of just soaked bread.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include salad, tuscan, panzanella, croûtons, mixed greens, healthy, vegetarian, light meal, and side dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, if you omit the optional Parmesan or Romano cheese, the recipe is naturally vegan.