Casa D’Angelo Salad: A Healthy and Delicious Recipe
Are you willing to step up your dinner party game and impress your guests with a homemade, restaurant-quality salad? Look no further than the Casa D’Angelo Salad Recipe.
Created by Chef Angelo Elia, this salad is a signature dish at his restaurants in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura, FL, and has become a fan favorite among Italian food lovers. With its combination of fresh greens, crispy bacon, and flavorful cheeses, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
But don’t let its restaurant-level status intimidate you – this recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few simple ingredients. And with some slight variations and substitutions suggested throughout the article, you have plenty of room for creativity.
So why not elevate your next dinner party with this classic Italian dish? Your guests will be begging for the recipe before the night ends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are someone who loves a hearty salad that fills you up and leaves you feeling satisfied, then this Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with all the goodness of fresh greens and topped with crispy bacon and garlic-flavored croutons, this salad is a prime example of how delicious healthy eating can be.
One of the reasons why I love this recipe is its versatility. This salad can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to complement any meal. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just want to enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends.
Another reason why this recipe is so great is that it’s easy to customize to your tastes. You can add more or less of your favorite ingredients, swap out some of the toppings or dressing, and even experiment with different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Apart from its delicious flavor and versatility, this Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe also has some great nutritional benefits to offer. It’s loaded with fiber and essential vitamins, helping you stay healthy and full of energy throughout the day.
So, whether you’re a fan of classic Italian recipes or just love a good green salad, this Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try today and get ready to be blown away by its taste and nutritional value!
Ingredient List
Before starting your salad, gather all the fresh ingredients:
Produce
- 1 head of Romaine Lettuce
- 12 ounces of Iceberg Lettuce
- 1 Red Pepper chopped
- 1 Green Pepper chopped
- 1 cup of Garlic-flavored croutons
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
Dairy
- ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
- ½ cup of diced Mozzarella Cheese
Meat
- 4 slices of Bacon, cooked, and crumbled
Dressing
- ¼ cup of Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- 3 Garlic Cloves, crushed and minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Anchovies
All the ingredients for this recipe are readily available in grocery stores. While it is possible to substitute some ingredients and customize this salad based on your dietary restrictions and preferences, using the recommended ingredients delivers the best flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation:
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Start by washing and drying 12 ounces of romaine lettuce and 12 ounces of iceberg lettuce. Chop them into bite-size pieces and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
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Add chopped 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, and 4 chopped slices of cooked bacon to the same mixing bowl with the lettuce.
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Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of garlic-flavored croutons over the top of the mixture.
Dressing:
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In a blender or a food processor, mix together ½ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and oregano until well combined.
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Then add in ½ cup red wine vinegar and two anchovy fillets. Continue blending until smooth.
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Once blended thoroughly, pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large mixing bowl.
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Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated by the Casa D’Angelo dressing.
Additions:
For an extra cheesy twist, add shredded mozzarella cheese and/or parmesan cheese to the salad before serving.
Serving:
This salad serves around six people as a side dish or three people for lunch or dinner as a main dish. To serve as a main dish, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
Pairing:
This salad pairs well with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.
Cooking Note:
To make this recipe even more classic Italian-inspired, substitute a caesar dressing for the Casa D’Angelo Salad Dressing.
Enjoy your Casa D’Angelo Salad with friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to customize the Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe, there are a few ingredients and variations that you can consider to accommodate your taste buds or dietary preferences. Here are some possible substitutions:
– Dressing: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice instead. For a creamier dressing, you can mix the dressing with some mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt.
– Anchovies: Although anchovies add a distinctive umami flavor to the salad, if you’re not a fan of them, you can skip them entirely or replace them with capers.
– Cheese: Instead of mozzarella and Parmesan, you can use other types of cheese such as feta, goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles.
– Croutons: You can use any type of store-bought or homemade croutons with different seasoning or bread. Alternatively, you can top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds for a crunch factor.
– Vegetables: If you prefer extra color or texture in your salad, you can add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions, artichoke hearts or avocado to the mix. You can also substitute the Romaine lettuce with baby spinach or arugula.
Keep in mind that some substitutions will alter the original flavor profile of the Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe. Therefore, it is recommended that you try out the recipe as written before experimenting with new ingredients. Have fun customizing your salad!
Serving and Pairing
The Casa D’angelo Salad is a great addition to any meal, whether served alone or as a side dish. I recommend serving this salad as an appetizer to really showcase its fresh and vibrant flavors.
This classic Italian salad pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, such as pasta dishes or grilled meats. The savory and salty notes of anchovies and bacon can be offset with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir.
If you’re planning on hosting a dinner party, the Casa D’angelo Salad is perfect for family-style serving. The combination of romaine and iceberg lettuce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic-flavored croutons, bacon, and bell peppers gives it a balanced texture that will leave your guests coming back for seconds.
For a casual gathering or picnic, I suggest packing this salad in individual containers served with grilled chicken or shrimp skewers for easy handling.
Overall, this versatile salad recipe is ideal for all occasions and is sure to delight any crowd with its classic Italian flavors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re a busy home chef, you’ll love the fact that this Casa D’angelo salad recipe can be made ahead of time! Simply prep all the ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers. Keep your lettuce, peppers, mozzarella cheese and croutons in separate containers, ensuring that each one is completely dry to avoid moisture buildup. Cook your bacon ahead of time, let it cool and crumble it into an airtight container for later use.
When you’re ready to serve your guests, simply toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl and coat them with the Casa D’angelo dressing. Make sure to only toss as much as needed to prevent sogginess.
You can also easily store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave the salad for 30 seconds and toss it again with the dressing for freshness. However, this salad is best served fresh and crispy right out of the gate!
Overall, preparing ahead of time will save you lots of time and energy on party day. So go ahead and get a head start on your Casa D’angelo salad – it’s worth it!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is an art, and every artist must know the rules to break them. This Casa D’angelo Salad recipe is a classic Italian dish that can be tweaked in many ways to suit your taste. However, there are some tips and tricks that you should follow to get the perfect results. Here are a few tips that will make sure you are serving the best possible version of the Casa D’angelo Salad.
Firstly, make sure you don’t overcrowd the lettuce in the bowl when you mix it with the dressing. The lettuce has to be coated evenly with the salad dressing, but adding too much can make it wilt quickly. Additionally, use garlic-flavored croutons instead of plain ones. The garlic flavor will complement the garlic clove in the dressing and add depth to your salad’s flavors.
Next, try to use fresh ingredients for this salad. The quality of ingredients will directly impact how your salad tastes. Try to use local produce as they would have fewer miles on them and would hence be fresher.
If you like bacon, we suggest using thick-cut slices instead of regular ones. A thicker cut will give an added crunch and more substantial bite when crumbled over your salad. Similarly, mozzarella cheese should also be grated just before assembling your salad for maximum freshness.
Finally, feel free to experiment with this recipe by substituting some vegetables or meats. You can even add some grilled chicken or shrimp if desired for a heartier version of this salad.
By following these simple tips, you can elevate your Casa D’angelo Salad from good to great. These little changes can make all the difference in creating a dish that is both nutritious and delicious!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to elevate their salad game. This recipe provides a balanced combination of flavors and textures that will enliven your taste buds in every bite. The easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and variations make it customizable, versatile, and perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a satisfying family meal.
Moreover, with the Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe, you can have a taste of the authentic Italian experience at home, thanks to Chef Angelo’s expertise and Casa D’Angelo Ristorante’s legacy. The recipe uses classic Italian ingredients such as anchovies, red wine vinegar, garlic-flavored croutons, and parmesan cheese that add loads of flavor and aroma to the dish.
Finally, you can rest assured that this recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. It features nutrient-dense vegetables such as romaine and iceberg lettuce, green and red pepper that are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, you can use olive oil instead of bacon to reduce the fat content while maintaining the savory appeal.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and bring Italy to your home with the Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe. You won’t be disappointed!
Casa D’angelo Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces iceberg lettuce
- 12 ounces romaine lettuce
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup garlic-flavored croutons
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 anchovies
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup olive oil or 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Toss lettuces, peppers, bacon, mozzarella, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese into large mixing/salad bowl, set aside.
- To prepare dressing, combine anchovies, vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, sugar, cornstarch, and remaining parmesan cheese into blender.
- Mix in blender, slowly adding 1 cup oil.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Combine salad, croutons, and dressing, serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!