Jana's Corner & One and Done Recipes

A vibrant Tuscan-inspired bread salad that celebrates ripe tomatoes, crunchy herbed bread, and fresh basil—all tied together with a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a colorful side dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups Italian bread, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, or a mix)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups ripe tomatoes (mix of cherry, grape, or heirloom for color), chopped
• 1 tsp salt (for draining tomatoes)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

For the Red Wine Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
• ½ tsp honey (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Bread Croutons:
   Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes, until golden and crunchy. Let cool.
2. Prep the Tomatoes:
   Place chopped tomatoes in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This draws out excess liquid while intensifying flavor. Reserve the tomato juices for the vinaigrette.
3. Make the Vinaigrette:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and reserved tomato juice. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of honey if desired.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the crunchy bread cubes, drained tomatoes, fresh basil, and shaved Parmesan. Pour vinaigrette over the top and toss well. Let rest 10 minutes before serving so the bread soaks up the flavors.

Tips

• Make ahead: keep the bread and tomatoes separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Add cucumbers, red onion, or bell peppers for extra crunch.
• Try Pecorino instead of Parmesan for a sharper bite.