Quick Summer Salads: Easy Bruschetta Salad Recipe
There are times in the summer when only a salad will do. That is why it is so nice to have a few quick, go-to ideas in your recipe box that are easy and ready in no time. This Easy Bruschetta Salad Recipe is just that. Light, delicious and perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad has been on constant rotation this summer. I love the combination of flavors and textures. Keep scrolling to see how you can add it to your menu too.
This summer I have tomato and basil planted just so I can make delicious recipes like this bruschetta salad whenever I want to.
There is something so satisfying about growing your own food. A few steps out my back door and I have a handful of produce and fresh ingredients that make this salad even better.
Summer truly is my favorite season for a number of reasons but having the option of growing things myself is definitely high on the list…along with warmth. 🙂
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How to Make a Bruschetta Salad at Home
Start by making your own crusty bread croutons. Just like you would if you were making traditional Bruschetta, toast your baguette in the oven.
Be sure to cut the pieces into 1 inch slices. We want to be sure they are thick enough to not be like the toasted bread of a traditional bruschetta but also hold up and not get soggy in the salad.
While the bread is toasting, cut the tomatoes in half {I am using assorted cherry tomatoes} if they are large or keep them whole if they are small enough to be bite sized.
Add the mozzarella balls to the tomatoes. If you are unable to find them, then just cut mozzarella into small chunks and add them to the tomatoes.
Next, add the basil that has been thinly chopped {or cut into ribbons}. Fresh basil is one of my very favorite ingredients!
What kind of Dressing to use on a Bruschetta Salad?
There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing the dressing for this bruschetta salad but I like to use a balsamic vinaigrette.
A lot of bruschetta recipes call for a balsamic glaze, so using a balsamic dressing is a natural choice in my opinion. Plus, there are awesome store bought versions.
Instead of just putting it on the salad itself, pour the balsamic vinaigrette on the tomato mixture.
Stir to combine and let the mixture set to marinate together for a few minutes. This will allow the balsamic vinaigrette to flavor the mixture slightly.
Once the bread is nice and toasted, take a whole garlic clove and rub it over the top of each slice of bread.
This method is a great way of getting garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Once everything has been rubbed with garlic then chop the bread into bite sized pieces. If you want the bread to be extra toasty, then you can pop it back in the oven for a couple of minutes.
There are so many different kinds of greens you can use in this salad. Arugula is my favorite but on this particular day I used a salad mixture.
How to Assemble your Easy Bruschetta Salad
Add the croutons around the edge of the bowl and on top of the greens.
Then spoon the tomato mixture into the middle of the croutons. You will have additional dressing in the bottom of the bowl that held the tomato mixture.
You can decide if you want to add some of the extra dressing to the salad but I would wait until it has been tossed. Sometimes what is on the tomatoes is enough.
Toss the salad to be sure that all of the ingredients are equally incorporated throughout the greens.
At this point you can decide if you would like to add a little more of the balsamic dressing.
Then spoon yourself out a hearty helping because a small one just won’t do. This has everything you LOVE about bruschetta in a light and delicious salad.
The best part is that is goes great with a grilled steak, chicken or pork. It can also stand alone and be a meal by itself.
This salad is my new best friend! Give me a cookie for dessert and I am set!
Want to know what to serve this bruschetta salad with? Try these recipes…
- Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken
- Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- One Rise French Bread
- Lasagna Skillet
- Mozzarella Meatball Skillet
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Easy Bruschetta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 baguette {sliced 1" thick}
- 1 clove garlic
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes {halved}
- 8 oz. mozzarella balls {or cubed mozzarella}
- 8-10 leaves basil {cut into thin ribbons}
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- mixed greens
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to broil. Place sliced baguette onto cookie sheet.
- While the oven is preheating, combine tomatoes, mozzarella and basil in a small bowl. Add balsamic vinaigrette. Set aside.
- Place bread slices into preheated oven under broiler for 2-5 minutes or until bread is lightly toasted. Remove from oven and immediately rub garlic clove over each slice of bread. Cut each slice of bread into 4-6 pieces. Put back into the oven for 1-2 minutes if you want your bread more toasted.
- To assemble the salad, add your salad greens to the bottom of the bowl. Add baguette croutons around the edge of the greens. Spoon the tomato mixture into the middle of the croutons and on top of the greens {there will be additional dressing left in the bowl you had your tomato mixture in. You can use it to dress the salad after it has been tossed if desired but sometimes what is on the tomato mixture is enough}.
- Toss salad, season with salt and pepper to taste and add additional dressing if desired. Serve immediately. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator but the baguette croutons will get soggy.
