Ree Drummond's Pizza Dough Salad Bowl _ The Pioneer Woman _ Food Network

The Art of Creating a Bread Bowl Salad

Having a carb-free lifestyle is very important to me, and I have found creative ways to incorporate bread into my diet while still adhering to my dietary goals. One such way is by making salad bowls entirely out of bread. To begin, I start with a big metal bowl that serves as the base for my edible masterpiece. I use frozen bread dough that I thaw overnight in the fridge until it was totally thawed and had started to rise. This allows me to shape the dough into the desired form without compromising its texture.

Once the dough has risen, I roll it out just till it is pretty thin, as excessive thickness can lead to problems when baking in the oven. The goal is to achieve a golden brown exterior that complements the flavors of my salad. To accomplish this, I brush the bread with a mixture of butter and garlic powder, creating a delicious and aromatic base for my creation.

I love making bread bowls because they offer endless possibilities for customization. Instead of using a large metal bowl, one could create individual bread bowls by altering the size of the bowl used. This would allow for smaller, more manageable portions of bread that can be used to serve various dishes, such as chili or soups. However, in this instance, I decided to make a bigger bread bowl to accommodate my favorite salad.

Before placing the dough into the oven, I take a moment to admire its progress and envision the finished product. The baking process typically takes around 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a beautifully golden brown bread bowl that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Once the bread has cooled sufficiently, I carefully place it onto a serving platter and prepare to add my salad ingredients. To avoid the temptation of devouring the bread bowl alone (although it does sound quite appealing!), I take a moment to create a delicious salad that complements the flavors of the bread.

The salad itself is simple yet satisfying, consisting of chopped greens, olives, cut-up salami, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful culinary experience that is both familiar and exciting. As I assemble my salad, I am reminded of the classic New York City tradition of visiting delis where patrons can request specific ingredients for their salads.

With the salad now nestled into its bread bowl, I take a step back to admire my handiwork. The presentation is visually appealing, with the vibrant colors and textures creating a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds. The addition of garnishes such as extra pieces of salami folded into the lettuce adds a delightful touch, transforming the salad into a work of art.

In conclusion, making bread bowl salads is an innovative way to incorporate bread into one's diet while still adhering to dietary goals. With its versatility and endless possibilities for customization, it has become a staple in my culinary repertoire. Whether you are looking to create a simple salad or something more elaborate, the art of creating a bread bowl salad is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.