Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad
+5 photos

Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad

This mid-summer Italian bread salad recipe features bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with fresh herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients

  • garlic
    1 clove
  • loaf italian bread
    1
  • chopped fresh basil
    2 c
  • chopped tomatoes
    1 c
  • cucumber - peeled

    seeded and chopped

    1 c
  • chopped red onion
    1 c
  • chopped fresh thyme
    ⅛ c
  • garlic

    minced

    1 clove
  • olive oil
    ¼ c
  • balsamic vinegar
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Rub peeled garlic clove around a wooden salad bowl.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Pull apart or cut bread into bite-sized pieces.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Combine bread, basil, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, thyme, and minced garlic in the prepared salad bowl.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Add olive oil and vinegar; toss until evenly coated.

    Step 5
Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad
+5

Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad

4.5(214)468 cal

Similar Recipes

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

This Italian Chopped Salad is a light, yet hearty salad that tastes like your favorite Italian sub sandwich but with pasta instead of the bread!

40 minutes10 servings
Italian Tuna Salad

Italian Tuna Salad

This Roman-style tuna salad has Castelvetrano olives, crunchy celery, quick-pickled onions, and sun-dried tomatoes and is tossed in a creamy lemony honey-Dijon dressing.

20 minutes6 servings
Toasted Italian Sandwich Recipe

Toasted Italian Sandwich Recipe

This toasted Italian sandwich recipe features layers of salami, pepperoni, ham, melted provolone cheese, and fresh veggies on crusty bread. Toasted until golden and served warm, this easy Italian sub is packed with bold flavors and perfect for lunch or dinner.

18 minutes2 servings
Italian Tortellini Salad

Italian Tortellini Salad

The perfect pasta salad for any pot-luck, picnic, cookout or backyard barbecue! This delicious tortellini salad is loaded with all of your Italian favorites, like salami, tomatoes, olives, banana peppers, red onion, and topped with Italian dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese! The ultimate side dish for any meal!

30 minutes
Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches

Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches

Make and share this Baked Italian Sub Sandwiches recipe from Food.com.

10 minutes6 servings523 kcal
Italian Sesame Bread

Italian Sesame Bread

20 minutes
Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

10 - 12 serving(s)
Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

Liven up your next cookout with this Italian pasta salad! The addition of salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and roasted red peppers is just too good.

20 minutes8 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 214 ratings

allrecipes.com
4.5(214 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, fresh dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of summer? This Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad delivers an authentic taste of the season, making a truly satisfying lunch.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad shines by letting peak-season ingredients like ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers speak for themselves. The crusty Italian bread acts as a sponge, soaking up every bit of the flavorful dressing, creating a delightful texture that's anything but boring.

When you prepare this bread salad, you'll love how simple yet elegant it is. The combination of fresh basil and thyme with sharp red onion and pungent garlic creates a balanced flavor profile that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It's an ideal way to enjoy garden-fresh produce.

What to Expect

Prepare for a symphony of textures and tastes. You'll find tender yet structured pieces of Italian bread, softened by the juices of chopped tomatoes and the bright tang of balsamic vinegar. Each bite offers the refreshing crunch of cucumber and the subtle bite of red onion, all brightened by fragrant basil and thyme.

This is a truly invigorating dish, offering a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. With 468 calories per serving, it’s a substantial and flavorful lunch that feels light, yet leaves you feeling completely satisfied without being heavy.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adapt this versatile Italian bread salad to your pantry and preferences. For a heartier meal, you could incorporate some grilled chicken or chickpeas. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley if you're out of basil or thyme.

Serving & Context

This Mid-Summer Italian Bread Salad is perfect as a refreshing lunch on a warm day, a light side dish for a backyard barbecue, or an elegant addition to any summer gathering. Serve it immediately to enjoy the bread's best texture and the freshest flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions