BALSAMIC GREEN BEAN & RED ONION SALAD W/ MULTIGRAIN CROUTONS

Steps:

• For Green Bean & Red Onion Salad:.
• Cook green beans until just tender crisp, drain and immediately set in an ice bath (or cold water) to stop the cooking process.
• Once green beans have cooled to (at least) room temperature and drain.
• In a large zip-lock bag add the fresh green beads, sliced red onion, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Gently fumble zip-lock bag until all ingredients are well mixed; set in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• For Multigrain Croutons:.
• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
• Spread out multi-grain french loaf pieces evenly over the cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried Italian herbs and salt - enough to suit your taste; give a gentle stir.
• Bake multi-grain croutons roughly 15 to 18 minutes or until croutons are lightly brown and dry (yet still ever so slightly chewy), gently mixing once halfway during baking.
• Assemble green bean & red onion salad on a serving plate.
• Top with multi-grain croutons and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Enjoy!