Mini Caesar Salad Bites

A simple caesar salad served in individual garlic, buttery and crisp cups. No utensils required for consumption so it's perfect for a party or anywhere else you'd like a lovely, easy, fresh and unique hors d'oeuvre. I came up with this recipe because I wanted to serve a vegetable based appetizer but was tired of the standard veggie platter. I thought of regular salads, but they were too finicky for guests to deal with. (hard to juggle a glass of champagne and eat a salad) I needed something that people could easily pop into their mouths in one or 2 bites. Thus, this recipe was born! :)

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 45
• Yields: 45 mini salad cups

Ingredients

• 45  wonton wrappers
• 5  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  garlic salt
• 1  head romaine lettuce, chopped very finely
• 3⁄4 cup  caesar salad dressing (adjust to taste and consistency)
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
•  nonstick cooking spray
•  lemon wedge (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray mini-muffin tins with cooking spray. Melt the butter in microwavable safe dish and stir in garlic salt. Set aside.
2. Place each wrapper into a section of a mini-muffin tin. Gently press each wrapper into the tin and arrange so that it forms a cup shape. The wrapper will overlap itself and stick up out of the cup. Brush insides with the garlic butter and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned and crisp. (time may vary according to your oven, so keep a close eye on them) Remove from the tin and allow to cool while preparing salad.
3. Finely chop the romaine lettuce. If you have a food processor, use it. You really need a fine fine chop in order to fill the cups properly, so don't be lazy with this step!
4. Pour on caesar salad dressing and stir until all pieces are coated. Adjust dressing (adding more or less) to suit personal preference.
5. Spoon salad mixture into cooled wonton cups and sprinkle with freshly grated parmasan cheese. Garnish with fresh lemon, if desired.
6. Bon Appetit! :).