16 Summer Italian Bread Salad Recipe You Must Try Them!

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Before we get started, make sure to choose a high-quality Italian bread for this salad. The bread will act as the base and main ingredient, so it's essential to select a loaf that is crusty and has a dense texture. You can either use day-old bread or toast fresh bread in the oven until it becomes crispy and golden brown.

Instructions

1. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing, making sure to mix well.
3. Pour the dressing over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and basil to the bowl with the bread cubes.
5. Toss everything together until well combined. The bread will soak up the dressing and become softer as it sits with the other ingredients.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and refreshing salad.
7. Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving bowl.
8. Garnish with some extra basil leaves and serve immediately.

This summer Italian bread salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic. It's also a great way to use up any leftover bread you may have. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and crusty bread creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you going back for seconds. Be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Now that you have this delicious recipe in your arsenal, you can impress your guests with a taste of Italy this summer. Experiment with different ingredients and add your own twist to make it your own signature dish. Trust us, this summer Italian bread salad will become a staple in your kitchen. Buon appetito!