Bread & Tomato Salad with Herbs

bread & tomato salad

Finally, Portland? Summer? Hmmm, it would be nice if it is true, although I do prefer my sunny days in the 70’s. But seriously, even I was getting sick of the 50’s/60’s and rain. So, I’ll take the sun and the 80 degree temperatures of the last few days!

To celebrate the return of Summer (and the end of June-uary?), jwa and I had a huge tomato bread salad the other night. I even had some homemade Ciabatta bread leftover (about 1/3 of a loaf) to dice up for the bread cubes. Since we have no tomatoes of our own yet, I had to get some at the store, but I found some beautiful heirloom varieties (from California, so, not too far away) at the Whole Foods by work.

My amounts were approximate. I did not measure everything (except the vinegar and olive oil). I used about 4 medium tomatoes to 1/3 of a loaf of bread. About 12 kalamata olives, 10 basil leaves, and a sprig of marjoram — both the basil and marjoram were from the garden. If you like this exact measuring thing, the actual amounts are listed below. Knock yourself out!

Bread & Tomato Salad with Herbs aka: Panzanella!
Adapted from a recipe in Gourmet Magazine
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
kosher salt & freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups 3/4-inch cubes crusty bread
1/2 pound vine-ripened red tomatoes, cut into 3/4-inch wedges
1/2 pound vine-ripened yellow tomatoes, cut into 3/4-inch wedges
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped fine
1 tbsp fresh marjoram leaves, chopped fine
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese

bread & tomato salad

If you want an extra, flavorful step, take about a tablespoon of the olive oil and heat it up in a big pan. Add your bread cubes and toast for a few minutes. Then make your dressing as described below and add the toasted bread cubes. Just plain, old dried out crusty bread cubes will of course work just fine!

bread & tomato salad

In a bowl whisk together vinegar, garlic, a little salt and pepper to taste and whisk in oil until emulsified (3 tbsp if you used a little to toast your bread).

bread & tomato salad

Add remaining ingredients and salt/pepper to taste and toss to combine well. Let salad stand at room temperature 15 minutes to allow bread to soak up some dressing.

bread & tomato salad

Yeah, you know you want to add some cheese. Just do it. It’s good.

5 Replies to “Bread & Tomato Salad with Herbs”

  1. Wow! That salad was amazing! I found this blog last week, and tried this salad for the 4th. Thanks so much! It stole the show. I’ll be making it again. Also, I added your link to my blog. Yumminess!

  2. i have been working as a personal chef where its really up to me what to prepare. your blog has and continues to be a huge source of inspiration. you do an absolutley wonderful job and i love the new format! thank you so much!!!!!!

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