Summer bread salad

1 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsMinced shallots
1tablespoonMinced lemon zest
1mediumClove garlic; minced
½teaspoonSalt
½cupOlive oil
3tablespoonsRed wine vinegar
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1mediumCucumber; seeded and coarsely
; chopped (peeling
; unnecessary unless
; peel is bitter)
1cupFinely chopped fresh fennel
2mediumsBell peppers; (red, green, purple,
; yellow, or orange),
; cored and coarsely
; chopped
2mediumsTomatoes; seeded and coarsely
; chopped
½cupPacked fresh basil leaves; (green or opal), cut
; into coarse
; chiffonade
3cupsCroutons; (1/2-inch)
1smallRed onion; thinly sliced and
; separated into
; rings
½cupSmall imported black olives; such as Nicoise

Directions

DRESSING

SALAD

In a large bowl, use a fork to mix together shallots, lemon zest, garlic, and salt, mashing ingredients to release their essence. Add oil, vinegar, and black pepper; whisk to combine. Add cucumber, fennel, bell pepper, tomato, and basil; toss to combine with dressing. Add croutons; toss again.

Let stand at room temperature (unless it's over 70 degrees) for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with onion rings and olives. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Sharon Tyler Herbst is the author of a new book, The Food Lover's Tiptionary (William Morrow and Company, Incup, copyright 1994 by Sharon Tyler Herbst).

Converted by MC_Buster.

NOTES : This is a great salad for company because all the components can be prepared well in advance and combined 30 minutes before serving. If you make your own croutons, cut the bread into ¾-inch chunks. They'll shrink during baking.

Recipe by: Good Morning America Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.