PEASANT BREAD, TOMATO AND BASIL SALAD

Peasant Bread, Tomato and Basil Salad image

Provided by Lynnda Cloutier @eatygourmet

Number Of Ingredients 11

- 1/2 loaf (about 8 oz) 2 day old italian bread, crusts removed, sliced and cut into 1 inch squares
- 3/4 lb. italian plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 thin slices red onion, separated into rings
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup tomato juice
- 1/4 cup minced green onions
- salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

In large bowl, toss together salad ingredients. In glass jar with tight fitting lid, shake together dressing ingredients. About 1/2 hour before serving, pour dressing ingredients. About 1/2 hour before serving, pour dressing to taste over salad and toss until nicely mixed. Cover bowl and refrigerate until serving time. Serves 6 An Italian bread salad is more than a salad sprinkle with croutons. The bread is deeply flavored with olive oil and vinegar. The Italian bread should be stale but not so dry as to be brittle. You want a firm "spring" to it. Source: Renny Darling