Bread Salad
A vibrant Italian bread salad featuring fresh tomatoes, herbs, and creamy cheese, perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual meals with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day old Italian bread, cubed, crust removed ⓘ
- 1 lb. Feta cheese or mozzarella ⓘ
- 8 plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced thin and diced ⓘ
- 1 large pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 can black olives, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- Fresh parsley (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine bread, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olives, Feta, grated cheese, and basil in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour olive oil over all ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to blend, ideally making ahead.
- Add black pepper and salt if needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this bread salad, consider substituting the Feta with mozzarella for a creamier texture or even adding roasted vegetables for extra flavor. If you want to enhance the dish, try adding fresh basil or oregano. Use stale bread for the best texture, as it absorbs the dressing without becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bread salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a larger spread featuring Italian recipes. Consider adding a light vinaigrette or serving it alongside a robust dish like Lasagne Provencal for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the bread may become softer. To revive the texture, you can briefly toast the salad in the oven before serving, but be careful not to overheat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Salad contains roughly 183 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Day-old Italian bread is ideal due to its sturdiness, but you can also use ciabatta or baguette. Avoid fresh bread, as it may become soggy when mixed with the dressing.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even artichokes for added texture and flavor. This salad is quite versatile and can be adjusted based on your preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).