Dinner tonight was awwwwwwesome.
We still had quite a bit of our loaf of Italian bread left from this weekend’s Farmers Market trip, so rather than let it go bad, I decided to cook up a batch of homemade croutons. So quick and simple, too!
To make a batch of Garlic & Parmesan Croutons:
- Cut your desired amount of bread slices, and cut into about 1-inch cubes.
- Drizzle bread cubes with olive oil (eyeball it – it’ll depend on how much bread you’re using), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
- Place on a cookie sheet lined with foil and cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
While my croutons were toasting up in the oven, Jay got to work on grilling some Italian-marinated chicken and I took care of putting together some big ‘ol dinner salads for us.
Oh man. Everything about this salad was just awesome. Baby romaine, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes from the garden, shredded carrots, avocado, onion, artichokes, dried cranberries, feta cheese…and finally…
The two stars of the show: the grilled chicken and the garlic & parmesan croutons.
It was the best salad I’ve had in months…and yes, I’m aware that I say this a lot. Apparently I’m just getting good at topping myself.
After dinner, we had a visitor to the table…
At first he was all, “oh hey guys, I really love you a bunch and just want to spend time with you.”
But then, once he had his fill, he became all “holy crap, I’m gonna eat your hand off, mom.”
He sure does make me laugh sometimes. However…when he slaughters my hand in playfulness? Ehh, not so much.
Now the dishes are washed, I’m in my cozies (who am I kidding, I’ve been in them most of the day), and I’ve got my two boys to hang out with for the evening. Life is gooood!
**FYI: In case you missed it earlier, there was a pretty great deal for Courtney’s Total Body Wellness announced on the STSL Facebook page!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Wow, that salad looks incredible! I’m craving a big ol’ salad now. ;) Enjoy your relaxing evening!
Alison says
That looks AMAZING!!!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Yum!! I had an awesome salad today, too, but nothing like yours! That looks delicious!
sam @ the real pretty says
Hi Courtney! Are you still training at the gym? I feel like I haven’t seen you mention anything about it lately. Or maybe I’m just crazy… just curious. :) Ps the salad looks super yummy!
Courtney says
Yup, I’m there part time :)
Melissa @ runscootsrun.blogspot.com says
Impressive salad! I’ve never made homemade croutons before…they look yummy though! :)
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because says
Homemade croutons are the best! You can control the fat, sodium, and seasonings.
Anne @ LoveMintChocolateChip says
that salad looks amazing!!! so many gorgeous colors :)
Lauren says
Nothing beats homemade croutons! Dinner looks fantastic doll.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
You have an insane talent for salads – each one I see you make looks even more awesome than the last!
Julie says
Scout “visits” the dinner table sometimes too. So cute. Except, yeah, when he attacks our hands like a vicious little dragon. Cute, still, but painful! :-)
Salad looks delicious! LOVE homemade croutons!
Kim@hungryhealthygirl says
You sound like me with the salads. I’m constantly coming up with new combos. Great idea with the crutons and your salad looks great.
Rachel says
my cat Jack does the same exact thing! lol we always tell him to play nice lol such a little monster sometimes :)
Marie says
That salad looks so good! And I’m not one to crave salads. Haha.
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights says
That salad looks amazing, but homemade croutons definitely steal the show! I always have to make a double batch because I eat half of them before they even make it onto a salad!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
That last picture is totally cat-crazy-eyes! Your hand better watch out! ;)
Laura Lea says
Omg those croutons look unbelievable! Could definitely go for those as a savory bedtime snack right about now.
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family says
I was eating salads so much for a while i got burnt out. I think I am ready to get back on them!
Khushboo Thadani says
Yeesh and I thought I made good salads :)!
Rachel's Cottage House says
mmm… that grilled chicken is looking pretty fabulous right now! And the cat cracks me up! :)
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Dinner looks delicious! :) Those croutons sound amazing too!
Sarah @ Practice Princess says
Home made croutons – fantastic idea! :)
Lisa says
That looks like one nutritionally dense salad! Love that. It all looks splendid. I love packing my salads with anything. Especially roasted veggies with crisp lettuce and avocado, so dang tasty.
Fay Macrae says
So, yummy and delicious you make me hungry. I love eating meat now.