A Latin twist on a famous Tuscan bread salad Courtesy: Panera

Serves: 8 - 10 liberal appetizer portions or 4 entrée salads

INGREDIENTS:
  • Mojito Vinaigrette (marinade/dressing)
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey or cane syrup
  • pinch of salt to taste
  • pinch of cracked black pepper to taste
Croutons
  • 4 cups bread, cut into 1" cubes
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Salad
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves finely minced garlic
  • 1 cup whole yellow pear tomatoes
  • 2 1/2 cups diced red tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh mesclun greens
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 sliced lime
  • 1 cup finely sliced red onion
  • pinch of coarse sea salt to taste
  • pinch of cracked black pepper to taste
  • 4 natural chicken breasts
ASSEMBLY Marinade/Dressing:
  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until blended. Remove 1/2 cup of the mixture for dressing the salad.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the remainder of the marinade approximately 30 minutes before grilling time.
  • Remove breasts from marinade and let excess liquid drain off.
  • Grill chicken until completely cooked. Set aside to cool a bit before slicing and adding to the finished salad.
Croutons:
  • In a large sauté pan, melt the butter and add the bread cubes.
  • Stir occasionally on low heat for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove from heat, toss with Parmesan cheese and set aside to cool.
Salad:
  • In a large sauté pan, melt the butter, add the onions and cook until they turn lightly brown. Add the garlic and continue to cook for about 5 minutes on moderate heat.
  • Add all tomatoes and continue to cook for about two minutes.
  • Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Assembly: In a large bowl combine the croutons and tomato mixture. Gently toss in the greens, cilantro leaves and the 1/2 cup of reserved Mojito vinaigrette. Shingle the sliced chicken breasts in a decorative fashion on the salad.

Service: Place the salad on a large decorative serving platter. Garnish with red onion and lime slices and top with sea salt and pepper as desired.
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