Caesar salad (Chicken or veg)

There are days when you want to go light after feasting for days or you just want to lose those extra pounds. Well what is better than a light salad for such days. Salads have evolved a lot it no longer means few raw things thrown together. In fact if it is thoughtfully made it can be a balanced meal with proteins, vitamins and limited carbs. You can make your own healthy and yummy dressings and add a zing to it. Gone are the days when salads used to be boring.

I had tried this whole wheat bread but it came out dry and compact. But it turned out into great tasting croutons. I will share with you the recipe for my croutons too.

This salad can be made by vegetarians as well as chicken eaters.

Ingredients:

For the Croutons:

• 4 cups bread cut into 1/2" cubes (you can use fresh or 2-3 day old bread)
• 1/2 cup olive oil 
• 3 cloves garlic minced 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried parsley, thyme (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup greek yogurt or regular yogurt (whey drained by hanging in muslin cloth for an hour)
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup

For the Salad:

• Around 8-9 cups Romaine lettuce sliced as needed or you can use the mixed bag of romaine lettuce, iceberg and red cabbage.
• 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 2 cups chicken grilled and chopped into cubes or 2 cups paneer or tofu roasted in oven or grilled.

Directions:

For the Croutons:

• Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
• Mix minced garlic with olive oil or blend olive oil with garlic.
• In a large bowl mix together bread cubes, olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs
• Ensure that bread cubes are evenly covered with oil to avoid dry or soggy pieces.
• Bake at 350 degree F for around 15 minutes or until browned in a single layer on a greased cookie sheet.
• Let it cool and store in an airtight container.

For the Dressing:

• Blend together all the ingredients in a blender and keep aside.

For the Salad:

• In a large bowl toss together lettuce, bell pepper and chicken/ paneer/ tofu (whatever you are using).
• Add the dressing, mix well and add croutons and enjoy your light and healthy meal.