Toasted Tuscan Salad

This time of year I start craving salads, fruit, and anything fresh I can get my hands on. 

And this, is my new obsession!

Toasted Tuscan Salad

here's what you'll need

a loaf of sourdough bread fresh from the bakery

three-four deliciously ripe tomatoes 

fresh mozzarella: the ball or tube shape, sealed in a pkg with watery-milk looking stuff (deli section)

fresh basil

good Extra Virgin Olive Oil, it makes a difference...promise

and sea salt to taste

 here's what you'll do

start by 'chunking' the sourdough bread into bite-sized pieces like this

 toast them in you're oven's broiler, start with just a couple minutes then flip and do one more minute.

These are SO easy to burn....speaking from experience, so keep your eyes on them!

When they are perfect, take them out and toss them in a nice BIG bowl.

Now the Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil...

You'll want to cube the mozzarella in smaller bite-sized chunks than the bread.

Before you dice the tomato, seed it (scoop out the seed and goo) you don't want a lot of extra moisture in this salad or your bread will go soggy, yuck!

Then chop up the basil, to really release the flavor turn your blade flat on top of the basil (flush with counter) and pound on the knife with your fist....don't know why it works, but it gets fresh spices to release even more flavor!

Throw your mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in with your bread and give it a light toss.

 Now slowly add your olive oil, a couple tablespoons at a time tossing til- you'll probably need 4-6

 Add your sea salt to really bring out the fresh flavors in this salad and enjoy!

 because it is delicious!

and I should probably mention....extremely addicting!

I'd love to hear some of your favorite salad and fresh foods recipes-

Post them in the comments if you'd like to share!