The Perfect Salad

Ok maybe not perfect but close to it. Salad is one of those things that I always think tastes better in a restaurant or at the home of someone else. A few days ago I was craving a good salad with limited ingredients in my home to make one. I had lettuce and tomatoes and that was about it. After some kitchen experimentation I came up with a great balsamic vinaigrette and some super yummy homemade croutons. I tossed it with my lettuce, tomatoes and chopped walnuts I found in the pantry and voila the perfect salad. I was so proud of how it tasted I made it again and took pictures to share with all of you.

The Perfect Salad
3 Trader Joes Romaine Hearts broken up in bite size pieces
1 chopped roma tomato
3 slices of wheat bread including crust cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 tlbsp. butter
4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2-3 tlbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tlbsp. dijon mustard
fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. parmesean cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To make the croutons take the bread cubes and toss with half of garlic salt, parmesean cheese and fresh ground pepper. Fry in pan with butter until golden about five minutes.


Place on baking sheet and bake until darker brown and crunchy about 20-25 minutes.

To make dressing combine vinegars, dijon mustard, sugar, ground peper and remaining garlic salt with wire whisk. Gradually add olive oil while whisking constantly until blended and smooth.

Toss lettuce, tomato, walnuts, croutons and dressing. This salad is simple but tastes great.

Bon Appetit!