Italian Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Sweet Peppers and Herbs

If I could have given this salad a hug while I was mixing it up in the bowl I would have.  The look of the fresh sliced garden tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers and herbs puts me in the mood for love.  Pouring the aromatic dressing of extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, garlic, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over my salad and watching it soak in to the bread made me feel weak in the knees.  I know it doesn't take much to push me over the edge but a salad filled with fresh tomatoes like this one will have that strong effect on me every time.  I think this type of Italian bread salad makes a strong case for the goodness of simple fresh garden ingredients.  Every where you go some kind and generous person is handing out bags of garden tomatoes, it's just that time of year.  I'm going to France this Thursday and I know that when I return the tomato season will be officially over for the summer, sigh.  I used San Marzano tomatoes and herbs from my own garden for this salad but the cucumbers and sweet peppers are from my brother and lovely sister in law.

I will be checking in on my favorite blogs while I'm gone but I think I'm going to take a few weeks off from posting to find inspiration, recharge and have Patty's Food to look forward to when I return:)  I'm looking forward to Paris, visiting new places, spending time with old  friends, enjoying good food and wine.  Of course I will be taking lots of pictures.  I will also be planting a winter garden when I return so maybe I will be one of those kind and generous people handing out bags of carrots or beets later this year.

Ingredients and Directions for Italian Bread Salad


6 large San Marzano tomatoes 
1 medium size red onion, thinly sliced
2 small cucumbers, peeled and sliced
4 small sweet Italian peppers, thinly sliced
1 handful herbs, washed and coarsely chopped, basil, mint, parsley, thyme and marjoram
1 loaf Italian style bread, cut in small bite size cubes
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper


In a large bowl combine tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, herbs and bread cubes.   In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, sea salt and pepper.  Pour the dressing over the bread salad mixture and toss to combine. Let salad sit for half an hour to develop the flavors before serving.


Makes enough for 10-12 people as a side dish.