Ingredients

The following ingredients have 3 Servings
  • 1/2 regular-sized baguette or 1 small baguette (preferably ciabatta)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Dash of Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 12 ounces assorted tomatoes (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1/2 English cucumber (diced)
  • 1 bell pepper (I used orange) (diced)
  • Red onion (chopped, to taste (start with 1/4 med. onion))
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • Handful fresh basil (chopped )
  • Parmesan (shaved, to taste (optional))

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 350F. 
  • Cut bread into 1" pieces. Add to a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and garlic powder. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 
  • Meanwhile, prep the dressing by adding all the dressing ingredients to a jar. Shake well and set aside. 
  • Prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • Allow the croutons to cool for about 5 minutes, then toss them with the rest of the salad ingredients and dressing (shake well before adding it). 
  • Let the salad sit for 30 minutes prior to serving. The croutons will soak in the dressing and tomato juices, and that's when the magic happens!