Introduction
Tutorial: how to make Tuscan tomato salad with ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and balsamic dressing. 15 minutes.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes + 1 cucumber + 1/2 red onion
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives + 1/4 cup basil + 4 oz fresh mozzarella (opt.)
- 3 cups torn day-old bread
- Dressing: 1/3 cup olive oil + 2 tbsp balsamic + 1 tbsp red wine vinegar + 2 garlic + 1 tsp Dijon + salt + pepper
Timing
Prep 10 min. Rest 5 min. Total 15 min.
Step 1 — Tomatoes
Chunk; salt + drain 5 min.
Step 2 — Bread (Optional Toast)
Fresh: 375°F for 6 min. Day-old: skip. Garlic rub for boost.
Step 3 — Dressing
Whisk to emulsion.
Step 4 — Toss + Marinate
Tomatoes + cucumber + onion + olives + bread; half dressing; rest 5 min.
Step 5 — Cheese + Basil
Mozzarella; rest of dressing; basil.
Step 6 — Serve Room Temp
Within 30 min.
Nutritional Information
- Calories 275 | Protein 7g | Fat 17g | Carbs 26g | Fiber 4g | Vit C 30% DV
Healthier Alternatives
Chickpeas instead of cheese. GF sourdough. Half bread + 1 cup farro. Almond-flour croutons.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled chicken, steak, fish. Antipasto, crostini, brunch with poached egg.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cold tomatoes
- Soft bread
- Too much dressing
- Undrained tomatoes
- Pre-mixed too early
Storing Tips
Best fresh; 1 day max fridge. Dressing 5 days alone. No freezing.
Conclusion
That’s how to make Tuscan tomato salad. Comment your bread, share a photo, subscribe.
FAQs
Bread? Country, ciabatta, sourdough.
Cheese? Mozzarella, burrata, parmesan.
Make-ahead? Components only.
Vegan? Skip cheese.
Vinegar? Balsamic + red wine.
Pair with? Italian sausage, lamb, branzino.
Recipe Card: Tuscan Tomato Salad
Prep: 10 min | Rest: 5 min | Total: 15 min | Serves: 6 | Calories: 275/serving
Ingredients
- 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes, chunked
- 1 cucumber, half-mooned
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives + 1/4 cup basil + 4 oz mozzarella (opt.)
- 3 cups torn day-old bread
- Dressing: 1/3 cup olive oil + 2 tbsp balsamic + 1 tbsp red wine vinegar + 2 garlic + 1 tsp Dijon + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Salt and drain tomatoes 5 min.
- Toast fresh bread 6 min at 375°F (skip if day-old).
- Whisk dressing.
- Toss tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, bread with half the dressing; rest 5 min.
- Add mozzarella; pour remaining dressing; toss with basil.
- Serve room temp within 30 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 275 | Protein 7g | Fat 17g | Carbs 26g | Fiber 4g | Vit C 30% DV
