Zesty Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese Recipe

Summer’s vibrant days call for a crisp blue cheese romaine salad that bursts with tangy and fresh flavors.

chopped romaine brings a delightful crunch to every bite of this classic dish.

The robust blue cheese crumbles add a rich, creamy dimension that perfectly complements the cool, green lettuce.

Zesty dressing ties all the ingredients together with a delectable punch of flavor.

Crunchy croutons scattered across the top provide an irresistible textural contrast.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of tastes and textures that make this salad a standout side or light meal.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this simple yet sophisticated culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 182 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

• Bread Cubes: Transform ordinary bread into crunchy, flavor-packed croutons that add irresistible texture to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Helps bread cubes crisp up beautifully and creates a golden, perfectly seasoned coating.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the croutons with a burst of Mediterranean herb flavors.
• Garlic Salt: Adds a savory punch and enhances the overall seasoning of the croutons.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth to the crouton's flavor profile.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing base that provides a nutritious and crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet, charred kernels that bring a smoky summer flavor and delightful texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness and add vibrant color to the dish.

• Blue Cheese: Delivers a bold, creamy, and tangy flavor that elevates the entire salad experience.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Coats the lettuce with a rich, luxurious texture and intense cheese flavor.

Tool Checklist for Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

• Baking sheet: Essential for making croutons and roasting corn kernels.
• Aluminum foil: Helps line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Large bowl: Used for tossing lettuce with dressing.
• Salad spinner: Quickly dries lettuce leaves after washing.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for cutting corn kernels and slicing tomatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and oil.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and spreading ingredients.
• Optional crème brûlée torch: Creates charred spots on corn for extra flavor.

How to Toss the Perfect Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

• Crispy Bread Cubes

Prepare oven-toasted croutons by tossing bread pieces with seasonings and baking until golden and crunchy.

• Charred Corn Preparation

Broil or grill corn kernels to create a smoky, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the salad.

• Lettuce Foundation

Carefully clean romaine and place in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a fresh green base for the salad.

• Creamy Blue Cheese Coating

Generously drench lettuce with rich blue cheese dressing, ensuring every leaf gets a delicious covering.

• Vibrant Salad Finishing

Artfully arrange corn kernels, bright cherry tomatoes, and homemade croutons on top of dressed lettuce. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch and flavor.

Adjustments and Add-Ons for Romaine & Blue Cheese Salad

• Swap romaine for mixed greens or kale for a nutrient-packed twist that adds extra flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different bread types like sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread to create unique, crunchy toppers that elevate the salad's taste profile.
• Replace blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola for a personalized tangy kick that matches your flavor preferences.
• Boost the salad's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted chickpeas for a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied.
• Mix up the corn with roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus during different times of the year to keep the salad exciting and fresh.

Serving Tips for Chopped Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

• Backyard Barbecue Centerpiece: Transform this salad into a stunning side dish for summer grilling parties, pairing perfectly with grilled meats and cold beverages.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack components separately and assemble just before serving, creating a fresh and portable meal for outdoor dining adventures.
• Protein Power Boost: Enhance the salad with grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or roasted shrimp to turn it into a complete and satisfying main course meal.
• Fancy Dinner Starter: Elegantly plate the salad as a sophisticated appetizer for dinner parties, garnishing with extra blue cheese crumbles and fresh herbs.

How to Store Leftover Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

• Smart Batch Prep: Chop romaine and store in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, keeping leaves crisp for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Crouton Longevity: Store homemade croutons in a sealed glass jar at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their crunchiness by adding a small silica gel packet to prevent moisture.
• Dressing Shelf Life: Refrigerate blue cheese dressing in a tightly sealed container for 5-7 days. Stir well before each use to restore creamy consistency and blend separated ingredients.
• Temperature Tricks: Cool grilled corn completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture. Store kernels in a sealed container for 3-4 days, ready to sprinkle on salads or other dishes.

Crispy Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crisp romaine chopped salad with blue cheese offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Creamy dressing, tangy cheese, and fresh greens create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ears fresh corn (about 1 cup/240 ml of kernels)
• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) Marie’s® chunky blue cheese dressing
• 2 tsps olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Crouton Creation: Toss bread cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper, then bake on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F until golden and crisp, approximately 10 minutes.
2. Corn Preparation: Char-grill corn on the cob or broil kernels until caramelized, seasoning with salt and pepper to intensify flavor profile.
3. Lettuce Preparation: Thoroughly wash romaine, spin dry to eliminate moisture, creating a pristine, crisp foundation for the salad.
4. Dressing and Assembly: Lavishly coat lettuce with bold blue cheese dressing, ensuring complete coverage of each leaf with creamy, tangy goodness.
5. Final Flourish: Artfully arrange dressed lettuce in serving dishes, topping with roasted corn kernels, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and freshly baked homemade croutons to provide textural complexity and visual intrigue.

Notes

• Crouton Crisping Technique: Ensure bread cubes are uniformly coated with oil and seasonings for even browning and maximum flavor development.
• Corn Roasting Tip: Charring corn intensifies natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire salad profile.
• Lettuce Preparation Hack: Completely dry romaine leaves prevent soggy dressing and maintain the salad’s crisp, fresh texture.
• Serving Strategy: Assemble just before eating to preserve crouton crunchiness and prevent ingredient wilting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg