Creamy Garlic Caesar Salad with Fresh Croutons

Course :	Salads
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	12

Ingredients:

		---Croutons
5	cups	cubed French bread -- (1/2 inch)
1	spray	Olive oil non-stick cooking spray
1	teaspoon	dried Italian seasoning
		---Dressing
3/4	cup	buttermilk
1/2	cup	fat-free mayonnaise
1/4	teaspoon	salt
2	cloves	garlic -- peeled
2	tablespoons	extra-virgin olive oil
		---Salad
15	cups	romaine lettuce -- torn
1/2	medium	red onion -- thinly sliced
1/2	cup	grated Parmesan cheese
1/8	teaspoon	black pepper -- freshly ground

Preparation:

Heat oven to 300°F. Place bread cubes in single layer on ungreased cookie sheet. Generously spray cubes with non-stick cooking spray; sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake at 300°F. for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in blender container, combine 3/4 cup buttermilk, mayonnaise, salt and garlic; blend until smooth. through center of blender lid, slowly add oil, blending just until combined. If necessary, add up to 1/4 cup additional buttermilk for desired dressing consistency. Refrigerate until serving time. Just before serving, place lettuce and onion in large salad bowl. Add dressing to salad; toss gently to coat. Add croutons and cheese; sprinkle with pepper. Toss gently. 12 (1-1/3 cup) serving.

Nutritional Information:

97 Calories (kcal); 4g Total Fat; (35% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 12g Carbohydrate; 3mg Cholesterol; 331mg Sodium