Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed whole wheat bread
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 large tomatoes, cut in wedges
- 1 large red onion, diced
- ½ cup black olives
- ½ cup fresh basil
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
What Makes This Recipe Unique
This salad is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crunchy bread creates a perfect balance. It’s easy to make and works well as a light meal or a side dish.
Cooking Secrets
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; it soaks up the dressing without becoming mushy.
- Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes to enhance the salad’s flavor.
- Tear the basil leaves by hand to release more aroma and avoid bruising.
- Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes to enhance the salad’s flavor.
- Tear the basil leaves by hand to release more aroma and avoid bruising.
Step 1
Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven and bake until they’re nicely toasted and golden, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Make sure to give them a stir halfway through so they brown evenly.
Step 2
While the bread is toasting, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Once the bread cubes are done and still warm, add them to the bowl along with the chopped tomatoes, onion, olives, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together so the bread soaks up all that tangy dressing and the flavors meld beautifully. Serve right away and enjoy!
What To Serve With This Dish
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. Add a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan for extra richness.
Storing Food Safely
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The bread may soften after a few hours, so it’s best eaten within one day. You can refresh it by adding a little extra olive oil and tossing gently before serving.
