Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad

Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad Recipe from France and South Africa

Region / culture: France, South Africa | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese, garlic, and chives on top of crispy toast rounds, served on a bed of fresh salad leaves. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

The combination of cheese and garlic on toast has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cuisines around the world. This particular recipe adds a modern twist by incorporating fresh chives and serving the cheese and garlic mixture on a bed of salad leaves.

Ingredients

12 slices of french bread
100 g of cream cheese
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 small bunch of chives, chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper
salad leaves of your choice
vinaigrette dressing
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

How to prepare

Lightly toast the bread on both sides.
In the meantime, combine the cheese, garlic, chopped chives, and seasoning to taste.
Set the mixture aside.
Place the salad leaves in a large bowl and drizzle vinaigrette dressing over them.
Toss the leaves to ensure they are coated with the dressing.
Arrange the leaves on individual plates.
Spread the cheese topping onto the toast rounds, sprinkle Parmesan over them, and grill until the cheese browns slightly.
Arrange the toast rounds on top of the salad and serve immediately.

Variations

Add some cooked chicken or shrimp on top of the salad for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese, for a unique flavor.
Experiment with different types of salad leaves, such as arugula or spinach, for a different taste and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the bread lightly to ensure it stays crispy when topped with the cheese mixture.

- Use a good quality vinaigrette dressing to enhance the flavors of the salad leaves.

- Don't skimp on the garlic and chives - they add a lot of flavor to the cheese topping.

- If you like a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the toast rounds before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toast the bread rounds in a toaster or under the broiler until they are lightly browned.

- Mix the cheese, garlic, and chives together until well combined.

- Grill the toast rounds with the cheese mixture until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat bread instead of French bread for a healthier option.

- Substitute the cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.

- Use green onions or parsley instead of chives if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese and garlic mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Toast the bread rounds and assemble the salad just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad leaves on a large platter and top with the cheese-covered toast rounds for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with extra chives or Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a perfect combination of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the toast rounds in a toaster oven or under the broiler until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and gluten (French bread).

Summary

Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines creamy cheese, garlic, and chives on top of crispy toast rounds, served on a bed of fresh salad leaves. This salad is easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for lunch. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she began preparing a simple salad that smelled absolutely divine. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

Martha explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The combination of crispy croutons, tangy cheese, and zesty garlic had been a family favorite for years, and Martha was delighted to share it with me.

I watched closely as Martha assembled the salad, tossing together fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Then came the star of the show - the homemade garlic croutons. Martha had simply cubed some day-old bread, tossed it with olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and baked it until golden and crisp. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely heavenly.

As Martha drizzled a simple vinaigrette over the salad and added a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, I couldn't wait to dig in. The combination of flavors and textures was simply outstanding - crunchy croutons, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables all melded together in perfect harmony.

I thanked Martha profusely for sharing the recipe with me, and she laughed and said it was her pleasure. She knew how much I loved cooking and trying new recipes, and she was always happy to share her culinary secrets with me.

When I got home that day, I immediately set to work recreating Martha's Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad. I carefully diced the bread, minced the garlic, and tossed everything together with a generous drizzle of olive oil. As the croutons baked in the oven, the smell of garlic and cheese filled my kitchen, just like it had in Martha's.

When the salad was finally assembled, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The crunch of the croutons, the sharpness of the cheese, and the freshness of the vegetables all combined to create a truly sensational dish. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe just a bit to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor, or swap out the cheddar cheese for a tangy feta. No matter how I make it, though, the salad always brings back memories of that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Martha began so many years ago. It brings me so much joy to see others enjoying this simple yet delicious salad, and I know that Martha would be pleased to see her family recipe living on in homes across the country.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the day I learned to make Martha's Cheese and Garlic Crouton Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish tells a story, a tale of love and tradition that transcends generations. And for that, I am truly thankful.