Ingredients

3 garlic cloves
4 anchovy fillets , chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
salt , to taste
fresh ground black pepper , to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil
vegetable oil ( for deep frying )
2 cups basic polenta
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or 2 tablespoons unsalted margarine
3 small head romaine lettuce , halved lengthwise ( or 2 large heads )
1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomato packed in oil , cut into thin strips
1/2 cup pine nuts , toasted ( we used walnuts )
1 1/2 ounces shaved parmesan cheese
If you're tired of the same old Caesar salad, this Italian Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons is the perfect recipe to switch things up. The polenta croutons add a unique and flavorful twist to the classic salad, while the rest of the ingredients provide a balanced and healthy meal. It's perfect for vegetarians and gluten-free eaters, and it's also easy to customize to your liking. Plus, it's a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner!

Instructions

1.In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard and blend until smooth.
2.While the blender or processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
3.Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
4.Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
5.Cut the polenta into 1-inch cubes and add to the skillet, cooking until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Set aside.
6.In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
7.Drizzle the Caesar dressing on top and toss to coat.
8.Add the polenta croutons and toss again.
9.Serve and enjoy!

PROS

This Italian Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons is a delicious and filling meal that is both vegetarian and gluten-free.
The polenta croutons add a unique and flavorful twist to the classic Caesar salad, while the rest of the ingredients provide a balanced and healthy meal.
It’s also easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

CONS

The only potential downside to this recipe is that it requires some prep time for the polenta croutons.
However, this can be remedied by making the croutons ahead of time and storing them in an airtight container until ready to use.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Italian Caesar salad is packed with healthy ingredients. The romaine lettuce is a great source of vitamins A and K, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. The pine nuts also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Additionally, the polenta croutons are a great alternative to traditional bread croutons and are gluten-free!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.