Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese and Homemade Croutons

This Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for a summer lunch or as a side at your next barbecue. The combination of crisp romaine, savory blue cheese, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors. The homemade croutons add just the right crunch, making it a full sensory delight.

Ingredients

For the Croutons:

• 2 slices Italian bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Italian herb seasoning, to taste
• Garlic salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 2 ears fresh corn (about 1 cup of kernels)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/3 cup Marie’s® Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large

Directions

1. Prepare the Croutons:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly oil the foil.
   • Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Bake until crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Remove from the oven and let cool.
2. Cook the Corn:
   • Turn on the oven broiler to high or preheat a grill. If grilling, brush the corn with olive oil and grill on the cob until charred in spots. Let it cool slightly, then cut off the kernels.
   • If using the broiler, cut the kernels off the cob, toss with olive oil, and spread on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Broil for about 3 minutes or until sizzling. Optionally, torch the corn with a crème brûlée torch for extra charred spots.
   • Season the cooked corn to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • Wash and spin the lettuce, then transfer it to a large bowl.
   • Toss with chunky blue cheese dressing until evenly coated. Divide among serving bowls.
   • Top each bowl with grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, and the homemade croutons. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for gatherings where you want to impress with both taste and presentation. Enjoy the fresh, crisp textures mingled with the rich depth of blue cheese and the satisfying crunch of croutons.

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