Mediterranean Chef Salad with Polenta Croutons

A fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring homemade polenta croutons, grape tomatoes, cannellini beans, and fresh mozzarella served over crisp romaine lettuce with aromatic basil leaves.

4 servings
50 min

Ingredients

  • 1 package polenta
  • 1 spray olive oil cooking spray
  • 2 pints grape tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup cannellini beans
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • 20 leaves basil
  • 4 ounces mozzarella
  • cut into small cubes

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oven to 400°F. Halve polenta lengthwise, then halve each piece lengthwise. Slice crosswise 7 times (to yield 32 triangles). Coat a small baking sheet with cooking spray; evenly arrange triangles; coat tops with cooking spray. Place tomatoes on a small rimmed baking sheet; spray with oil and toss. Place both sheets in oven for 10 minutes; remove tomatoes from oven and stir. Return to oven and cook until croutons are toasted on 1 side and tomatoes are wrinkled and brown in spots, about 20 minutes more. Remove tomatoes. Flip croutons; return to oven for 20 minutes more. Pour vinegar over tomatoes; transfer to a bowl. Mix in beans, salt, pepper and pepper flakes; set aside. Divide romaine and basil among 4 plates. Pour tomato mixture over greens; top with croutons and cheese.

    50 min

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