Easy Italian Bread Salad

Name: Easy Italian Bread Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 4 slices Italian or French bread (1 inch thick); 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise and sliced; 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped; 2 to 3 green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese; Lettuce leaves; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

For a fresh-tasting side dish, Kathleen serves Italian Bread Salad. "This pretty blend is a snap to prepare. "For variety add whatever veggies you like, such as green or yellow peppers, zucchini, summer squash or sliced olives," she suggests.

Ingredients

4 slices Italian or French bread (1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
2 to 3 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Lettuce leaves
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

Brush both sides of bread with 1 tablespoon oil. Place on a baking sheet. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Cut into 1-in. cubes.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, onions and cheese. Divide among four lettuce-lined salad plates. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, garlic, basil and remaining oil. Drizzle over salads. Serve immediately.