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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The only salad recipe you'll need for this summer

Unless, of course, like my husband, you hate tomatoes.  (?!)
Search no further.  My Aunt Cindy's Tuscan Bread Salad is all you need to survive this summer.
We had it up at the lakehouse this weekend and I am trying to figure out how soon I can make it again.  So good, perfect summer flavors that shine with the tomato and basil, and the pizza crust that catches the dressing, sopping up all it's goodness.

Aunt Cindy's Tuscan Bread Salad

1  14-16 oz. Boboli pizza crust
1 to 1  1/4 cups water
4 TB. red wine vinegar, divided
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
anchovy paste, to taste
1/2 tsp. salt
2 ribs celery, diced
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 small red onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Broil the Boboli crust in the oven until brown on both sides.  Watch carefully so it doesn't burn.  When cool, cut into 1 inch squares and place in a large bowl.  Pour the water and 1 TB. of the vinegar over the bread, toss and let stand for 15 min.  Whisk together the remaining 3 TB. vinegar, salt and anchovy paste.  Add olive oil in a steady stream, whisk constantly.  Add celery, tomatoes and basil to the bread, toss well.  Add dressing over everything, toss again and serve.  

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds (and looks) so good, Jenny! About to add the ingredients to my grocery list now so I can make it this week. Thanks for sharing. Yay for summer!
-Ashley

Jen said...

Oh good, so glad it appeals to you too! Cindy said she adds about a 2 inch "squirt" of anchovy paste. It tasted great, not too strong...

astapp said...

This salad looks delicious! I can't wait to try it. I'm also glad to hear that the anchovy flavor was not overwhelming. Thanks for sharing.

Jen said...

Ash, how did the salad go? Did you like it?

Anonymous said...

I'm making it right now! I just popped on to double check the water amount. It seems like a lot to soak the bread in but I'm going to trust you! :)
~Ashley

Jen said...

My aunt said the same thing and left out half the water last time she made it...it wasn't as good. What did you think?

Anonymous said...

Hey Jen! It's Dana, Andrew's girlfriend. I'm going to a bridal shower today and am supposed to bring my favorite recipe for the bride-to-be. I searched all over the web for this recipe and came across it on your site. Thanks so much for posting it! Hope you're having a wonderful summer.