Italian Bread Salad 🥗
Introduction:
This delightful Italian Bread Salad recipe is a delightful adaptation from Italian Classics by Cook’s Illustrated. Bursting with the freshness of tomatoes, the aromatic essence of mint and parsley, and the tanginess of red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, this salad is a celebration of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Perfect for those times when you have leftover bread that needs a delicious makeover, this salad transforms humble ingredients into a culinary delight in just 25 minutes of prep time.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Tomatoes | 1 1/2 cups |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized |
| Fresh basil | 1 bunch |
| Fresh mint | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 527.5
- Fat Content: 54.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 15.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10.4g
- Fiber Content: 3.5g
- Sugar Content: 6.2g
- Protein Content: 2.4g
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering Italian Bread Salad:
-
Prepare Bread Cubes: Start by putting the cubed bread in a large bowl. Make sure the bread cubes are of uniform size for even soaking of flavors.
-
Mix Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped tomatoes, diced onion, and half of the chopped herbs (basil, mint, oregano, and parsley). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
-
Let It Marinate: Allow the dressing mixture to stand for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop. This step is crucial for infusing the bread with the delicious essence of the dressing.
-
Combine and Toss: After the marination time, pour the dressing mixture over the cubed bread in the large bowl. Sprinkle the remaining chopped herbs over the mixture. Gently toss everything together until the bread cubes are well coated with the dressing and the herbs are evenly distributed.
-
Season to Taste: Finally, season the salad with sea salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Italian Bread Salad to a serving dish and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to savor the vibrant flavors and textures with every bite.
Recipe Notes:
- Bread Selection: Opt for rustic or artisanal bread with a hearty crust for the best texture and flavor in this salad.
- Tomato Varieties: Feel free to use a variety of tomatoes such as cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. However, fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
- Customization: Get creative with your additions by incorporating ingredients like olives, cucumber, bell peppers, or capers for added depth and complexity.
- Make-Ahead Option: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dressing mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply toss it with the bread cubes and fresh herbs just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and effortless preparation, this Italian Bread Salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or a flavorful appetizer, this salad offers a delightful taste of Italy that will leave your taste buds craving more. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this classic dish, and let it transport you to the sun-kissed hills of the Mediterranean with every bite!
