CRISPY CROUTON SALAD

Crispy Crouton Salad image

Nothing says "summer" at our house like this unique salad! It's also a great way to use up fresh basil and tomatoes from the garden. I've brought it to many women's luncheons at church, and it's still a much-requested favorite. --LaNae Sanchez, Canyon Country, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

3 cups cubed Italian bread
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
6 ounces cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup minced fresh basil
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons white or brown balsamic vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Place bread cubes in a single layer in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 450° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring twice. Cool., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella, yellow pepper and basil. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 194mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.