Imagine a dish that captures the pure essence of summer in every single bite - a magical combination of juicy ripe tomatoes, crispy bread, and aromatic herbs that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Italian-inspired Tomato Bread Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a vibrant celebration of seasonal flavors that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace with just one forkful!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups crusty bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting a crusty loaf into roughly 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, let the cubes sit out for 15-20 minutes to slightly dry out and become more absorbent.
- Wash ripe tomatoes and chop them into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch in size. Place chopped tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Thinly slice red onion into delicate half-moons, ensuring slices are uniform and not too thick.
- Gently tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces, releasing their aromatic oils.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a vibrant dressing.
- Add bread cubes, sliced red onion, and torn basil to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow bread to absorb the dressing and tomato juices.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light summer meal.
Tips
- Choose the right bread: Use day-old crusty artisan bread like ciabatta or sourdough for the best texture and absorption.
- Tomato selection matters: Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor - heirloom varieties work wonderfully.
- Let the salad rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes helps bread absorb dressing and tomato juices, intensifying the flavor.
- Room temperature is key: Serve this salad at room temperature to enhance the natural flavors of ingredients.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Use freshly torn basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant aroma and color.
- Customize your dressing: Experiment with different vinegars or add a touch of Dijon mustard for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
