Plantain croutons are a genius way to add that starchy crunch back to your salads if you are on a Whole30, Paleo, or even just gluten-free. These chopped little crispy salty bites are delicious on their own and help take a Whole30 salad to the next level. The first time my husband had them he said, “My salad tastes normal again!”
Store-bought plantain croutons are not Whole30 compatible, as they are considered SWYPO just like store-bought chips or fries. But they are so easy to make and only three ingredients and the homemade ones are Whole30 compatible, just like homemade fries, as they are just chopped up pan-fried plantains.
If you want to learn more about what plantains are and how to take off the skin, see my tostones post here.
It’s time to take those Whole30/Paleo salads to the next level!
Plantain Croutons
Ingredients
- 1 pound green plantains
- 1/4 cup coconut or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the skin and chop green plantains into small 1/2" cubes.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Don't use too highof a heat, or the plantains will burn before they get crunchy through. Low and slow is key.
- Add chopped plantains to oil. Cook for 13-15 minutes until golden and crunchy, stirring throughout.
- Remove and immediately sprinkle with salt. Enjoy on top of your favorite salad for crunch and flavor.
- Leftovers will soften and can be recrisped in an airfryer or on the stove again.
Notes
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Note: Store-bought plantain croutons are not Whole30 compatible, as that falls into the the "no store-bought chips" SWYPO category. But these are so easy to make and, just like homemade fries, are allowed on Whole30.
You always seem to know exactly what I need! I love different textures (crunches) on my salads and since going grain-free, croutons are one of main things I miss on my salads. This was excellent and just what I was missing! I wish I had all your recipes in book. Ever consider making and selling a printable PDF of all your online recipes together? I would suggest a cookbook but most people seem not to put already published online recipes in their books. And I want them all! Haha. Seriously, yours are about the only recipes I use. Thank you for all you do to share these wonderful, yummy kid approved recipes with us!
It’s true, I have been told that when you publish a cookbook (which is a dream of mine!) you are only allowed to put a handful of previously published recipes in it. But that’s great to know you would find an e-book of my current recipes helpful and thank you for those kind, supportive words!
Had to make these a few times to finally get it exactly right and the crunch I was missing in my salads. Now my husband won’t have a soup or salad without these! Thanks for this!
I love that now these are a must-have on hand! Such a great addition to salads and soup for sure!
This is what I am talking about. I am maki g these for my salads. Thank you for sharing g this. I am so excited.
Yes! It was exactly what my salads were missing. Enjoy!