Description
Summer sunshine dances through this classic Italian bread salad, bringing together ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and fresh basil in a Mediterranean masterpiece. Crisp ingredients mingle with zesty vinaigrette, promising a refreshing journey through Tuscan flavors you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 600 g (21 ounces) ripe mixed tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 200 g (7 ounces) stale ciabatta loaf
- 280 g (10 ounces) jarred red peppers, drained and roughly chopped
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 small red onion, peeled and very finely sliced
- 1 handful small capers, drained
- 8 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely sliced (optional)
- 1 bunch fresh basil
Seasonings and Dressings:
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- red wine vinegar
- extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Tear artisan bread into rustic 3-centimeter (1.2-inch) chunks, arranging them on a flat baking tray. Allow the bread pieces to rest in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 30 minutes, enabling natural dehydration and enhancing texture.
- Select ripe tomatoes and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly rinse capers under cool water, gently pressing to remove excess liquid.
- Incorporate sliced peppers, thinly chopped onions, prepared bread chunks, and optional anchovy fillets into the tomato mixture, creating a vibrant medley of ingredients.
- Using clean hands, delicately combine the components. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of high-quality red wine vinegar and approximately 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil, ensuring thorough and even distribution. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, vinegar, or olive oil as needed.
- Gently tear fresh basil leaves into smaller fragments, sprinkling them over the salad. Fold the herbs into the mixture, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the dish. Serve immediately as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted chicken.
Notes
- Bread transforms from potential waste to a crispy, textured foundation that adds depth to every bite.
- Tomatoes burst with summer sweetness, creating a juicy base that defines the salad’s vibrant character.
- Capers and anchovies deliver unexpected umami punches, elevating the entire dish with their bold, briny essence.
- Olive oil acts as a silky connector, binding ingredients together while adding luxurious Mediterranean richness.
- Red onions provide sharp, crisp interruptions that balance the softer elements and wake up your palate.
- Herbs contribute fresh, aromatic notes that lift the entire salad from simple to spectacular.
- Vinegar introduces a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and makes each mouthful sing.
- Seasoning becomes an art of delicate balance, transforming good ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
- Protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
- Serving temperature matters – enjoy slightly warm or at room temperature to maximize flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg