Introduction
Garlic bread and a vibrant Italian chopped salad come together in this delightful dish that makes for a perfect appetizer or a light meal. The crispy garlic baguette serves as a delicious base for the fresh and hearty salad piled on top, making it a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavors that will transport you to an Italian bistro right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread:
– 2 small baguettes, sliced in half lengthwise
– 4 to 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Italian Chopped Salad:
– ½ head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
– 1 cup sliced radicchio
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
– ½ red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 ounces salami, chopped
– 4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
– 2 ounces smoked provolone cheese, diced
– ½ cup mild banana peppers
– ¼ cup chopped roasted red peppers
For the Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– ½ tablespoon honey
– ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
– ¼ cup olive oil
– ½ tablespoon dried oregano
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguettes.
Place the baguette halves on a grill over medium heat, cut side down. Grill until golden and toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the grill and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced iceberg lettuce, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chickpeas, chopped salami, fresh mozzarella pearls, diced smoked provolone, banana peppers, and roasted red peppers.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve:
Place the grilled garlic baguette halves on serving plates.
Spoon the Italian chopped salad generously over each baguette half.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Bread
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguettes. Place the baguette halves on a grill over medium heat, cut side down. Grill until golden and toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the grill and set aside.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the sliced iceberg lettuce, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chickpeas, chopped salami, fresh mozzarella pearls, diced smoked provolone, banana peppers, and roasted red peppers. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Serve
Place the grilled garlic baguette halves on serving plates. Spoon the Italian chopped salad generously over each baguette half. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Grilling Tips
Ensure that the grill is preheated to medium heat for even cooking. Watch the baguette closely to prevent burning.
Salad Variations
Feel free to add other fresh vegetables or proteins to the salad, such as cucumbers or grilled chicken, to suit your taste.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The garlic bread is best served fresh.
Cook techniques
Grilling Garlic Bread
Grilling garlic bread adds a smoky flavor and gives it a crispy texture. Always preheat the grill to medium heat. Keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn’t burn; it should take about 2-3 minutes to get golden and toasted.
Making Garlic Butter
To make garlic butter, ensure that the butter is softened at room temperature. Then, thoroughly mix in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper for even distribution of flavors.
Emulsifying Dressing
Emulsifying a dressing combines oil and vinegar into a smooth mixture. Start by whisking the vinegar, honey, mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion.
Combining Salad Ingredients
For a well-mixed salad, combine all fresh ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.
Serving on Garlic Bread
To serve salad on garlic bread, place the grilled baguette halves on a plate and generously spoon the salad over them. This creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
FAQ
Can I use different types of bread for garlic bread?
Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as ciabatta or Italian bread, but baguettes give a nice crunch.
How do I store leftover garlic bread?
Wrap leftover garlic bread in foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dressing a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container and whisk again before use.
Is the salad customizable?
Yes, the salad is very customizable. You can add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences, such as using different cheeses or adding more vegetables.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the salami and ensure the cheeses used are free of animal rennet.
Conclusion
This delicious Garlic Bread topped with an Italian Chopped Salad offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful appetizer or main dish. The crunchy baguette with a rich garlic butter base harmonizes beautifully with the fresh, vibrant salad. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this dish is a great addition to any meal.
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