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!
Wow, that salad looks incredible! I’m craving a big ol’ salad now. ;) Enjoy your relaxing evening!
That looks AMAZING!!!
Yum!! I had an awesome salad today, too, but nothing like yours! That looks delicious!
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!
Yup, I’m there part time :)
Impressive salad! I’ve never made homemade croutons before…they look yummy though! :)
Homemade croutons are the best! You can control the fat, sodium, and seasonings.
that salad looks amazing!!! so many gorgeous colors :)
Nothing beats homemade croutons! Dinner looks fantastic doll.
You have an insane talent for salads – each one I see you make looks even more awesome than the last!
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!
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.
my cat Jack does the same exact thing! lol we always tell him to play nice lol such a little monster sometimes :)
That salad looks so good! And I’m not one to crave salads. Haha.
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!
That last picture is totally cat-crazy-eyes! Your hand better watch out! ;)
Omg those croutons look unbelievable! Could definitely go for those as a savory bedtime snack right about now.
I was eating salads so much for a while i got burnt out. I think I am ready to get back on them!
Yeesh and I thought I made good salads :)!
mmm… that grilled chicken is looking pretty fabulous right now! And the cat cracks me up! :)
Dinner looks delicious! :) Those croutons sound amazing too!
Home made croutons – fantastic idea! :)
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.
So, yummy and delicious you make me hungry. I love eating meat now.