One of my favorite places to eat in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is Casa's in Fort Wayne.
Today, I was missing their Isalata Casaburo, and decided to make my own. It hit the spot. The taste is uncomplicated and refreshing. The bite sized texture makes it easy to eat - you can almost scoop it up, as opposed to having to stab it with your fork. An excellent compliment to Italian dishes.
My version:
- Iceberg & Romaine Lettuces - 1-2" pieces
- Scallions - Chopped diagonally in about 1/2" pieces
- Red peppers (use ones that are juicy, yet crisp!) 1/2" pieces
- Generous amounts of freshly grated Romano and Parmesan cheeses
- Garlic Croutons (If you don't have the patience for making your own - T. Marzetti's Restaurant Style Garlic & Butter croutons are quick substitute.)
Top a mixture of 3 parts Red wine vinegar to 1 part olive oil - you want the flavor to be pungent and the quantity to be enough to coat the lettuce, not drench it, when the salad is tossed.
Serve with a thick piece of Italian bread, smothered with real butter - the kind of bread with a crust so thick that you have to physically yank it away from your mouth.