Greens with Homemade Croutons

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Oct. 24, 2022
A lively salad of fresh greens gets a flavorful boost from homemade croutons baked with tarragon, thyme and basil. — Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
Greens with Homemade Croutons Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 5 slices day-old French bread (1/2 inch thick), cubed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • DRESSING:
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Dash celery salt
  • SALAD:
  • 2 cups spring mix salad greens
  • 2 cups torn romaine or fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°. Place bread cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with butter; toss lightly. Sprinkle with seasonings; toss to combine. Arrange in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 14-18 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Top with croutons.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 265 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.