Tomato Bread Salad

Transform your summer table with this vibrant and rustic Tomato Bread Salad, a classic Italian-inspired dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This easy recipe combines toasted cubes of day-old crusty bread with juicy ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp red onions, all tied together with aromatic fresh basil and a zesty homemade vinaigrette of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and spices. Optional capers and Parmesan cheese add extra layers of salty, tangy richness. Perfect as a light main course or a flavorful side, this salad is quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—and shines with its beautiful balance of textures and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a summer picnic, this irresistible panzanella-style dish is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups crusty bread (day-old or slightly stale)
• 3 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium English cucumber
• 1 small red onion
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 third of a cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese shavings (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Tear the bread into bite-sized chunks and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly crisp but not overly browned. Let cool completely.

Step 3

While the bread cools, prepare the vegetables. Core and cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges. Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons if large.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and capers (if using).

Step 5

Chop or tear the basil leaves and add them to the bowl.

Step 6

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Step 7

Pour the dressing over the bread and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the dressing and juices from the tomatoes.

Step 8

Give the salad one final toss before serving. If desired, top with shavings of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2275.3 grams (2275.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5064

Total Fat 281.40g	361%
Saturated Fat 48.60g	243%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 6827mg	297%
Total Carbohydrate 547.90g	199%
Dietary Fiber 28.80g	103%
Total Sugars 40.70g
Protein 115.60g	231%

Vitamin D 24IU	119%
Calcium 1167mg	90%
Iron 29mg	160%
Potassium 2894mg	62%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.8%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 42.3%