Salad Greens and Veggies with Fried Okra Croutons
🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Fresh corn kernels |
| 3/4 lb | Fresh okra |
| 2 1/2 cups | Romaine lettuce |
| 2 | Tomatoes |
| – | White wine vinegar |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 2 tbsp | Cornmeal |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Creole seasoning, divided |
| 1/4 cup | Olive oil, plus extra for frying |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Corn:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Spread the fresh corn kernels evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the corn for about 10 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Once done, set it aside for later use.
-
-
Coat and Fry the Okra:
- In a zip-top plastic bag, combine the cornmeal and 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning.
- Add the fresh okra to the bag and shake it well to coat the okra pieces evenly with the seasoned cornmeal.
- Pour olive oil into a heavy saucepan until it reaches a depth of about 3 inches.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully add the coated okra to the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the okra from the oil and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil. Keep the fried okra warm while you prepare the rest of the salad.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- Divide the romaine lettuce leaves among four plates, creating a bed of greens for the salad.
- Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and distribute them evenly over the lettuce on each plate.
- Arrange the fried okra on top of the lettuce and tomato mixture, creating a visually appealing presentation.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Creole seasoning, 1/4 cup of olive oil, a splash of white wine vinegar, and a crushed garlic clove.
- Secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake it vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and emulsified into a flavorful dressing.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over each salad, ensuring that each serving receives a generous amount of flavor.
- Sprinkle the roasted corn kernels over the dressed salads, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to each bite.
- Serve the Salad Greens and Veggies with Fried Okra Croutons immediately, and enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every mouthful.
This vibrant and satisfying salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a refreshing side dish to accompany your favorite main course. With its crispy fried okra croutons, sweet roasted corn, and tangy homemade dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
