Name: Mediterranean Chef Salad with Polenta Croutons
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (18 ounces) fat-free, plain precooked polenta; Olive oil cooking spray; 2 pints grape tomatoes; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 head romaine, torn (about 6 cups); 20 basil leaves; 4 ounces fresh part-skim mozzarella, cut into small cubes

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Mediterranean Chef Salad with Polenta CroutonsSang An

Crispy cornmeal polenta is the health star of this salad: It may be easier for your body to absorb corn's carotenoids from milled products such as polenta, rather than from whole kernels.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 package (18 ounces) fat-free, plain precooked polenta

Olive oil cooking spray

2 pints grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 head romaine, torn (about 6 cups)

20 basil leaves

4 ounces fresh part-skim mozzarella, cut into small cubes

Preparation

Heat oven to 400°F. Halve polenta lengthwise, then halve each piece lengthwise. Slice crosswise 7 times (to yield 32 triangles). Coat a small baking sheet with cooking spray; evenly arrange triangles; coat tops with cooking spray. Place tomatoes on a small rimmed baking sheet; spray with oil and toss. Place both sheets in oven for 10 minutes; remove tomatoes from oven and stir. Return to oven and cook until croutons are toasted on 1 side and tomatoes are wrinkled and brown in spots, about 20 minutes more. Remove tomatoes. Flip croutons; return to oven for 20 minutes more. Pour vinegar over tomatoes; transfer to a bowl. Mix in beans, salt, pepper and pepper flakes; set aside. Divide romaine and basil among 4 plates. Pour tomato mixture over greens; top with croutons and cheese.

Nutrition Per Serving

Per serving: 266 calories

4.8 g fat (2.9 g saturated)

42 g carbohydrates

8 g fiber

15 g protein

#### Nutritional analysis provided by Self

Recipe notes

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39 Polenta Recipes for Creamy (or Crispy) and Delicious Comfort Food
Savory or sweet, creamy or crisp, there are so many extraordinary ways to make polenta.

Recipe information

Ingredients

Preparation

Nutrition Per Serving

Recipe notes

39 Polenta Recipes for Creamy (or Crispy) and Delicious Comfort Food