Macho Salad With Cornbread Croutons
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 512kcal
A bold, flavor-packed salad that brings together creamy goat cheese, sweet dates, crunchy pistachios, and hearty cornbread croutons—tossed in a zesty honey mustard vinaigrette. Add chicken or tofu for extra protein, or enjoy as a satisfying vegetarian main.
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Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider or sherry vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons grain or country-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cornbread Croutons
- 2 cups day-old cornbread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For the Salad
- 5 cups mixed lettuce greens
- 12 cherry or pear tomatoes halved
- 5 dates sliced crosswise
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup cup corn kernels or kernels from 1 cooked cob
- 1 avocado cut into large chunks
- 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup shelled salted pistachios
- 1 –2 cups shredded or chopped chicken or tofu optional
Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or shake well until fully emulsified. Set aside.
Prepare the Cornbread Croutons
Option 1: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gently toss cornbread cubes with olive oil or melted butter.
- Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Cool before adding to salad.
Option 2: Sauté
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add olive oil or butter, then the cornbread cubes.
- Sauté 6–8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Cool before adding to salad.
Assemble the Salad
- Place mixed greens in a large serving bowl.
- Add tomatoes, sliced dates, corn, and red onion.
- Gently arrange avocado chunks on top.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and pistachios over the salad.
- Add chicken or tofu, if using.
Dress and Serve
- Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss lightly to coat.
- Top with cooled cornbread croutons just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 512kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 666mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 11388IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 3mg