Better-for-you caesar salad with lemon-parmesan croutons

Indulge in a nutritious Caesar salad with zesty lemon-parmesan croutons. A healthy twist on a classic favorite bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-oz.) baguette, torn into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)
• 1 ½ teaspoon lemon zest, plus 2½ Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon), divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 60g (about ½ cup), plus 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, grated (about ¼ tsp.)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large (about 1 lb.) head romaine lettuce, trimmed and chopped (about 7 packed cups)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Mix baguette pieces with lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of Parmesan, and ¼ teaspoon of salt on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange them in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until they turn golden and crispy, for about 14 to 16 minutes, remembering to stir them halfway through the baking time.
2. Combine yogurt, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil with ½ cup of Parmesan in a large bowl. Season it with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
3. Mix the lettuce with ½ cup of the prepared dressing, adding more as needed. Distribute the salad among 4 plates and sprinkle croutons and additional Parmesan on top. Keep any leftover dressing to use as a dip for vegetable sticks or chips.

Summary:

• Calories: 1308 kcal
• Fat: 57 g
• Protein: 59 g
• Carbs: 146 g
• Potassium: 1557 mg
• Magnesium: 191 mg