Dive into the delightful world of tomato crostini salad, where every bite is a tribute to the wholesome flavors of Italian countryside kitchens. This dish doesn’t just bring together the vibrant taste of heirloom tomatoes and the creaminess of mozzarella; it also introduces you to homemade crostini that adds a delightful crunch. With a sprinkle of aromatic herbs, the assembly of this salad is as effortless as it gets. Let’s begin!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
- 2 cups baguette or ciabatta, cut into cubes or small slices
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with 2 tbsp of olive oil, ensuring they’re lightly coated.
- Spread the oiled bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy. These are your homemade crostini pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, homemade crostini, basil, parsley, and oregano.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Allow the salad to marinate for a few minutes, letting the crostini absorb the dressing flavors but not become overly soggy.
- Plate your salad and, if desired, sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top for garnish.
Notes
Making your own crostini not only ensures freshness but also allows you to control its crispness. Remember, the key to a great crostini salad is the interplay of textures. Feel free to experiment with the herbs based on what’s available or suits your palate. A grilled shrimp or seared scallop dish can be a delightful accompaniment to this salad. And for a beverage match? A rosé wine or a citrusy iced tea will do wonders. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
