Kentucky Bibb Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This salad is served at many Kentucky Derby parties. It makes a great summertime salad and the bite from the vinaigrette is just perfect.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• Salad

• 2  heads bibb lettuce
• 1⁄4 lb maytag blue cheese
• 1⁄8 cup strawberry, sliced

• Candied Pecans (use 1/2 cup)

• 1 -2  cup pecan halves
• 3  tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1  teaspoon warm water

• Apple Cider Vinaigrette (use 1/8 cup)

• 1  cup apple cider vinegar
• 1⁄2 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1  tablespoon dry oregano leaves
• 1⁄2 tablespoon dry basil leaves
• 1⁄2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 1  cup olive oil

• Cinnamon Raisin Croutons (use 1 cup)

• 1  loaf  cinnamon raisin bread
• 1⁄2 cup butter

Directions

1. Basic Recipe: Remove roots from Bibb lettuce and cut into quarters. Toss with apple cider vinaigrette, bleu cheese, candied pecans and strawberries. Place on serving platter and garnish with cinnamon raisin croutons.
2. To Make Candied Pecans: Mix powdered sugar and water. Dust pecans with powdered sugar mixture on parchment paper and bake at 275 degrees for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. To Make Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, except the olive oil. Add the olive oil gradually and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
4. To Make Cinnamon Raisin Croutons: Cut bread into ½ inch cubes. Melt butter and toss bread cubes with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.