Chef-Like Salad

Ingredients

• 1 head Romaine lettuce torn into fork-size pieces
• 1 cucumber sliced, peeled if desired
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 6 oz deli ham slices cut into squares
• 6 oz deli turkey slices cut into squares
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (this is really the only time I use dried basil)
• 1 tsp EVOO
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese cut into 1/2“ cubes
• 1 bunch parsley leaves removed from stalks
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 shallot peeled and minced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup EVOO
• 3 tbsp EVOO
• 2 cups fresh bread cubes
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

1. 1. To make the croutons, whisk the garlic and parmesan cheese into the olive oil. Season to taste with salt, then toss with the bread cubes. Toast in a toaster oven at 350ºC for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, tossing in the middle of the baking to ensure more even toasting. Remove from toaster oven and allow to cool before using in salad.
2. 2. Prepare the vinaigrette, whisking together ingredients and adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. 3. To “doctor up” the deli meats (as my grandma would say), quickly saute the squares in EVOO with oregano and basil until slightly browned at the edges and a little bit crispy.
4. 4. Toss the salad ingredients with the vinaigrette, topping with the croutons. Enjoy!