Monday, October 1, 2018

Caesar Salad with Roasted Broccoli & Pomegranate Seeds



Oh my gosh this salad was SOOO delicious! I think it'll be a new go-to for me! I had a similar salad last week at a favorite cafe of mine - it inspired me to try to replicate it at home.  I also made the dressing from scratch - I did a Caesar, but instead of mayo based, I used plain Greek yogurt.  Healthy, delicious, filling, fresh, flavorful - I think this salad has it all! This is great as a side salad or add sliced chicken or a piece of salmon and eat it as a meal.  I served ours alongside a plate of gnocchi.

Hope you enjoy! 

2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
1 Tbl olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
1/3 cup almonds

Dressing:
2 or 3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 Tbl olive oil
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt,
1 to 2 Tbl milk
salt & pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400F

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Lay broccoli florets on baking sheet and drizzle with 1 Tbl olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss and then spread broccoli evenly on baking sheet. Roast for about 18 minutes, or to your liking.  Let cool slightly.

While the broccoli is roasting make the salad dressing.

Pour 1 (or 2) tablespoons of olive oil into a skillet on medium low.  Place to the cloves of garlic into the skillet and let slightly sizzle in the oil for about three minutes on each side. The garlic should be slightly browned on the outside and soft on the inside. I always saute my garlic like this before adding it to dressings. Cooking it just a bit really brings out a mild, delicious flavor - and it cuts down that sharp raw garlic spicy-ness. Remove the garlic from olive and chop.  Save the infused olive oil for the dressing.

Place the garlic, garlic infused olive oil, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Greek yogurt and milk into a container. Use a fork to combine completely. If it's too thick add a splash more milk or lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine chopped romaine, roasted broccoli, Parmesan, pomegranate seeds and almonds. Drizzle with salad dressing. Toss. Enjoy!!!