
A hearty winter salad featuring toasted baguette croutons with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese, served over a bed of winter greens with a tangy red wine vinaigrette.
**Caramelize the Onions:** Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, brown sugar, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
**Prepare the Croutons:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grill the baguette slices on a grill pan or grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted. Top each baguette slice with a spoonful of caramelized onions and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
**Bake the Croutons:** Arrange the croutons on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Make the Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
**Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, toss the winter greens mix with the red wine vinaigrette. Divide the salad among four plates. Top each salad with several French onion soup croutons. Serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving (300g)
For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry sherry or balsamic vinegar to the onions during the last few minutes of caramelizing.
If you don't have a grill pan, you can toast the baguette slices in the oven or in a toaster oven.
Customize the winter greens mix with your favorite seasonal greens.
For added texture and flavor, consider adding toasted walnuts or pecans to the salad.
Stove
Oven
Grill pan (or grill)
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.