Mesclun Salad with Onion-Ginger Dressing

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. Four 3/4-inch-thick slices of firm-textured white bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3. 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
4. Salt
5. 1 large sweet onion (10 ounces), sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
6. Freshly ground pepper
7. Pure olive oil, for drizzling
8. 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
9. 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
10. 2 tablespoons minced shallots
11. 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
12. 1 garlic clove, minced
13. 1 1/2 pounds mesclun (24 loosely packed cups)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, toss the bread with the butter and parsley and season with salt. Spread the croutons on a rimmed baking sheet and bake them for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Season the onion slices with salt and pepper and lightly drizzle them with pure olive oil. In a large grill pan or skillet, char the onion slices over moderate heat until slightly softened and blackened in spots on both sides, about 18 minutes. Cut the charred onions into 1/2-inch dice.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil with the vinegar, shallots, ginger and garlic. Stir in the charred onions and season with salt and pepper. Add the mesclun and toss well.