This Garden Salad with Herbed Croutons and Vegan Ranch Dressing is perfect for lunch or a dinner party. The dressing has fresh herbs, and with homemade croutons, you can't go wrong!
I don't make croutons often, so when I do, it's a real treat. This Garden Salad with Herbed Croutons and Vegan Ranch Dressing was inspired because I was craving some homemade croutons. I have been eating a lot of salads lately and I wanted something special for my salad.
For the croutons I happen to use bread that I keep in my freezer, but it is a great way to use up stale bread. You are not only creating less waste, but you are saving your taste buds from the flavorless store bought croutons. It is totally worth the little bit of effort to make them yourself.
These herbed croutons are good for snacking as well as topping salads. You may want to double the batch, because if you are like me, you will find yourself eating them before they reach the salad!
To go with this Garden Salad my Vegan Ranch Dressing worked perfectly. It is made with fresh dill, chives, and parsley. Yes, it was all about herbs for this salad.
Other Easy Salads You Might Like
- Thai Green Curry Salad with Cashews
- Sweet Potato Salad with Agave Mustard Dressing
- Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Vegan Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries
Garden Salad with Herbed Croutons and Vegan Ranch Dressing
This vegan salad with fresh ingredients will make you feel like you ordered a salad at a restaurant!
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You May Need:
Garden Salad with Herbed Croutons and Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
Herbed Croutons - you will probably have extra
- 2 slices gluten free bread (1 cup cubed) - I used brown rice bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salad
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons peeled carrot
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 2 tablespoon Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes chopped in half
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°.
- Croutons: Slice bread into cubes. Mix herbs and seasonings together. Add olive oil and toss in bread cubes. Bake at 325° for 10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Let cool before storing them.
- Salad: In bowls layer lettuce, red onion, carrot, cucumber, olives, tomatoes, dressing and croutons. Serve.
Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Emily | emilybogner.com says
So cool that you make your own croutons! I love a good salad, thanks for sharing.
Willow Moon says
Thanks Emily! I don't make them often, but they sure are a treat when I do!
Molly Turro says
Wow this salad looks so yummy! Perfect for a nice summer dinner!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Molly!
Joanna Clute @ Strong Girl Collective says
I love that you make your own croutons! Salads are one of my favorite dishes:) So yummy!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Joanna! They really are easy to make and totally worth it!
Lauren Vavala says
Def gotta try to make my own croutons! I love that combination of herbs!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Lauren! They are some of my favorite herbs to use. They are definitely worth making!
Elaine Matthews says
I love a good healthy salad in the summertime!! Yours looks great!!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Elaine! I love salads this time of year too!
llicblog says
This is making me hungry! I never thought of making my own croutons - but this makes it look super easy! Definitely trying this.
Willow Moon says
It really is easy and totally worth it! Plus, if you have left over bread that's going stale, it's a great way to use them up.
McKenzie Allyshia says
Wow, that looks and sounds delicious! I will have to try this out -- it is perfect for this time of year!
Willow Moon says
Thanks McKenzie! I hope you like it!
Cait Weingartner (@prettyandfun) says
YUM this sounds amazing!
Cydney says
Mmm this looks really good, i always need salad inspiration, going to pin this for later! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Willow Moon says
Thanks Cydney! I am the same way - if I don't change things up with my salads, I find myself in a rut making the same salads each time!
Melinda says
This has become my go-to salad. I love all the herbs in the croutons and the ranch dressing - so good!
Willow Moon says
Thanks Melinda!