Imagine a recipe that captures the essence of Italian summer in just one bite - crispy bread, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil coming together in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched countryside of Tuscany. This Tomato Bread Salad isn't just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced ripe tomatoes
- 2 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to dry them out and achieve a crispy texture.
- Wash and dice ripe tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Choose tomatoes that are firm but fully ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- Thinly slice red onion into delicate, translucent rings or half-moons. For a milder onion flavor, soak sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Roughly chop fresh basil leaves, releasing their aromatic oils. Use sweet Italian basil for an authentic taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, bread cubes, sliced red onion, and chopped basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well coated. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow bread to absorb the dressing and flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- • Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs dressing beautifully without becoming soggy • Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity • Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together • For extra depth, consider adding a sprinkle of high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese • Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar to elevate the entire dish • Serve at room temperature to ensure the most vibrant taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
