Did you know May is National Salad Month? It’s an obscure observation for sure, but we will take any excuse to celebrate healthy and delicious food! Plus, this time of year there are so many farmers’ markets available to pick up fresh produce and specialty toppers, like OMG! Pretzels, we had to share a few ideas for star salad and “prouton™” combinations.
You heard us right! Our gourmet sourdough pretzel nuggets are a great substitute for the traditional crouton with a few added benefits:
- Amazing crunch
- Fantastic flavor
- Beautiful presentation
- Healthy carbs
So, enjoy these scrumptious salad and prouton™ pairings for ultimate flavor and crunch. You can also layer these salads in a mason jar for easy grab-and-go lunch options during the week. PRO TIP: If you do that, keep the dressing and proutons™ on the side until you’re ready to eat.
Chopped Italian Salad with OMG! Garlic Proutons™
This salad is simple to throw together and allows for some variations based on your preferences and what looks freshest at the market. In a large bowl, combine chopped iceburg lettuce with diced cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes. For some protein, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas. If you want to serve this salad as a main course – lunch or dinner – add chopped salami and chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese. Toss all the veggies with a simple vinaigrette and then add the OMG! Garlic Pretzels to the top. We like to crush a few and leave some whole so you get crunch and flavor in every bite!
Southwest Salad with OMG! Cheddar Jalapeño Proutons™
For a little spice, try this easy salad. Use romaine lettuce as the base, then add fresh corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Drain a can of black beans and add them in, followed by some fresh chopped cilantro. You could add tofu or grilled chicken seasoned with taco seasoning for protein. For the dressing, opt for a Southwest Ranch or Avocado Ranch – the creaminess pairs well with the strong flavors of the ingredients and there are some great store-bought options out there. We especially like Brianna’s Dressings and their Creamy Cilantro Lime flavor would work well in this dish. Finally, add the OMG! Cheddar Jalapeno Proutons™ and enjoy!
Asian Cabbage Salad with OMG! Sweet Chili Proutons™
Napa cabbage is the base for this flavorful salad with sweet, spicy, sour, and salty notes. You want to cut the cabbage into thin strips, then add matchstick cut carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. Next comes the fresh herbs – we like to include mint and Thai basil. Mix the vegetables with a simple dressing of rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger and garlic; you’ll need a drizzle of olive oil to bring it all together. Then, top with OMG! Sweet Chili Pretzels. The raw cane sugar and chili in these proutons™ will make your tastebuds happy!
East Coast Cobb Salad with OMG! Chesapeake Proutons™
A fun twist on the classic, this version includes seafood to complement the spice blend in our Chesapeake Pretzels. We like to use Bibb lettuce as the base for the salad. Then, in rows or sections add chopped egg, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and lump crab or small cooked and chilled shrimp. For the dressing, whip up a quick creamy mixture with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, dill and parsley. Don’t forget the proutons™!
Charred Broccoli Salad with OMG! Lemon Pepper Proutons™
A slightly warm salad is always fun and unexpected, especially if you’re entertaining. This salad does require a little cooking; roast the broccoli for 15-20 minutes in a 375-degree oven with a little olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. In a saute pan, caramelize a sliced red onion. While still warm, toss the veggies together with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Place the veggies on a platter and dollop some room temperature goat or ricotta cheese on top. For the finishing touch, add the OMG! Lemon Pepper Proutons™. You can also use the seasoning at the bottom of the bag of pretzels to flavor your vinaigrette – it’s a simple way to add a bit more flavor to the salad. If you like this warm salad, try our Roasted Vegetable Panzanella with Garlic Proutons™ next!
