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Topdown view of Tomato and Bread Salad, with fresh basil, and garlic. Bacon and cheese shown are optional ingredients.
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Tomato and Bread Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
This Tomato and Bread Salad makes a delicious side or light main. This salad is so simple, it's all about using the best heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil you can get your hands on. 
Servings 4 side salads
Calories
Author Sylvia Eastman

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, julienned
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • salt {to taste}

Optional

  • 2 cups crusty white bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan, or fresh mozzarella or bocconcini
  • 4 slices bacon

Instructions

  • If you are using the bread, place the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for 12-15 minutes at 350F.
  • If you are using the bacon, you can cook it in the oven at the same time as the bread. Drain and crumble or slice it before adding to the salad.
  • In a small jar, combine the garlic, olive oil, and salt
  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, the bread {if using} and the basil. Pour the garlic and olive oil mixture over top and then stir everything together gently.
    If you’re adding in the cheese and/or bacon, add them now.
    Taste and add extra olive oil or salt if needed.

Notes

Use the Best Ingredients You Can Find

For the tomatoes, you are looking for juicy, substantial, imperfect tomatoes, not those pale, perfectly round supermarket ones. They should feel heavy in the hand. In North America these are likely to be heirloom tomatoes, in the UK they are called heritage and include Brandywine, Beefsteak, and Black Cherry among others.
Use fresh basil and the best olive oil you can afford.

Gluten-Free Version

You can simply omit the bread from this salad if you are gluten-free. It will still be delicious.

Courses, Cuisines, and Keywords

Course
Appetizer
|
main
|
Salad
Cuisine
Mediterranean
|
North American
Keywords
bread salad
|
dinner salad
|
heirloom tomatoes
|
tomato and bread salad
|
tomato salad