If you're looking for a way to get more veggies into your diet in a fun way, then you have to try this amazing Light Caesar Salad complete with crunchy Herb Toasts!
Many of us know food affects health but sometimes when we are time poor we don't make the best choices and that's why I love this salad so much - it's quick, has bags of flavor and works as either a light meal or the perfect side dish to complement pastas, meats, bakes, quiches and more.
There's so much to like in this salad! Yogurt's creamy consistency, is perfect for making dressings and is also full of healthy probiotics that are crucial for gut health. Parmesan cheese adds depth and flavor and is also believed to be easier to digest than some other cheeses, while the fresh and crispy cos lettuce alongside vibrant baby spinach offers loads of vitamins and minerals.
While croutons are usually served with this style of salad I decided to change it up a bit with my Garlic and Herb Toasts, and they work perfectly with this salad. If you feel like a quick snack make these with a little grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of chilli powder as well - it's so good!
MY TIPS
When serving this as a quick main meal boiled eggs, cooked crumbled bacon, chopped chicken or leftover roasted meats, even cranberries and nuts can work really well on this salad.
This salad is a great accompaniment your favorite meats, pizzas, pastas, bakes and more
Fresh is best when making a salad like this so please do not be tempted to use a garlic paste in the dressing as it will not quite have the same freshness and flavor
The dressing makes an EXCELLENT sauce to go with your favorite wraps and sandwiches, as a topping on potatoes and so much more. I think you could probably even marinate chicken in it and bake/grill it too for a delicious meal
Nix the bread for a keto-friendly version
YOU WILL NEED
Salad
1 large clove of garlic finely chopped and lightly cooked in a little oil (see Method for details)
1 cos lettuce roughly chopped
1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
1 large clove of garlic finely chopped
1/3 cup natural or Greek yogurt
2+1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1/2 a medium lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon finely ground Pink Himalayan salt/sea salt according to taste
Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Boiled eggs/chopped cooked chicken/crumbled bacon (optional)
Extra Parmesan for serving (optional)
Herb Toasts
8 semi-thick slices of stale bread (stale bread toasts up better. Bread with grains/seeds or something like a ciabatta gives extra texture and health benefits but you can use whatever bread you like)
1 whole garlic clove gently crushed with a knife (should still be one piece)
Dried mixed herbs (Italian mixed herbs work well)
Butter
METHOD
Salad
In a small frying pan add a little oil and gently fry off the chopped garlic until fragrant but do not burn (this will only take a minute or so.)
In a large salad bowl add the lettuce and set aside.
In a small jug mix the cooked garlic, yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper and set aside. (If you want a smoother dressing use a hand-stick blender with the "chopping/puree" fitting to get it smooth however this purely optional and does not change the taste only the texture making it slightly smoother and thinner).
Pour the dressing onto the salad or pour into a small serving bowl to serve along-side your salad.
Add desired toppings if using - fresh shaved Parmesan, boiled eggs, crumbled bacon and/or chopped chicken
Garlic & Herb Toasts
Heat a medium non-stick pan over a medium heat.
Butter BOTH sides of your bread slices.
On one side, rub the garlic over the butter and lightly sprinkle some mixed herbs
Place the herb sprinkled side DOWN in the pan and allow to cook until golden brown and crisp.
Lightly sprinkle to top with herbs before turning over and continue cooking until golden brown.
Slice in half if desired (this is useful if you are serving many people or if people do not want to eat a lot of bread).
Serve immediately with your salad.
SERVES 4 AS A MEAL 6 AS AN APPETIZER
Tried this recipe? Tag @eatinstylebyferitta or #eatinstylebyferitta so I can see your creations and show you some love ♥
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