Bite with Belkys: Mama Mia Salad from Giardino Gourmet Salads

The Chef & Owner: Ody Lugo
The Restaurant: Giardino Gourmet Salads
The Dish: Mama Mia Salad

(measurements are as desired depending on quantity needed)

Ingredients for croutons:

fresh baked bread, cut into squares, as desired
olive oil, as desired
dried herbs, as desired
Parmesan cheese, grated, as desired

Ingredients for Salad:

romaine lettuce, chopped, as desired
red pepper, diced small, as desired
sun-dried tomato, diced small, as desired
pine nuts, to taste
goat cheese, crumbled, to taste

Ingredients for Chianti Vinaigrette:

garlic paste, to taste
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
brown sugar, to taste
balsamic vinegar
Chianti wine
extra virgin olive oil

Method of Preparation:

-Start by making homemade croutons. Cut bread into squares and transfer to a mixing bowl. Then, drizzle it with olive oil.

-Next, add your favorite dried herbs and parmesan cheese. Mix it all together.

-Place the croutons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

-In the meantime, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce, red pepper, sun-dried tomato, pine nuts and goat cheese.

-You can also make your own vinaigrette. Combine garlic paste with salt, pepper, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, chianti wine and extra virgin olive oil.

To Plate:

Drizzle the salad with the chianti vinaigrette and top it with the fresh croutons. At the restaurant, they recommend this with their tropical chicken.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Giardino Gourmet Salads
2346 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-6010
www.giardinosalads.com