French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe

mixed greens

🥗Healthier: arugula

💰Cheaper: iceberg lettuce

Arugula adds peppery flavor while iceberg is more economical.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

white wine vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers health benefits, while white vinegar is cheaper.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: no herbs

Dried herbs are convenient and cheaper, but fresh herbs enhance flavor.

Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius (410 degrees Fahrenheit) on the bake and broil option.

Cut a couple of slices of dense baguette bread into small squares.

Add the cubes of bread to a bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin Spanish olive oil, 0.5 teaspoons of dried parsley, 0.5 teaspoons of garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt to the bowl with bread cubes.

Toss the bread mixture together.

Place the pieces of bread on a baking tray lined with foil.

Put the baking tray in the oven to toast the croutons.

Mince 1 garlic clove.

Add the minced garlic to a mortar and pound it for about 2 minutes.

Add 0.5 teaspoons of dried thyme and 0.5 teaspoons of dried parsley to the mortar and mash it with the garlic.

Add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the mortar.

Add 1 tablespoon of creamy balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sea salt to the mortar.

Mix the ingredients in the mortar until combined, then add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin Spanish olive oil and mix until reaching a mayonnaise-like consistency.

After about 15 minutes, check on the croutons in the oven and remove them when perfectly cooked.

Cut the iceberg lettuce into pieces.

Add the cut lettuce to a salad spinner and wash it.

Once washed and dried, add the lettuce to a large bowl.

Add the dressing made earlier on top of the lettuce and mix well.

Transfer the lettuce and dressing mixture to a shallow bowl.

Top the salad with the toasted croutons and grate queso manchego on top.

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary