Tomato Bread Salad

Fresh-from-the-garden Tomato Bread Salad, featuring vine-ripe ruby red tomatoes and oversized crispy toasted croutons, is like a trip to Tuscany for our taste buds! You'll all be shouting, "Molto Bene!"

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 3 1/2 cups toasted bread cubes or packaged croutons (see Tip)
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded and cubed
• 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (8-ounce) package mixed greens, optional

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes and dressing; mix well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
    
2. Stir in remaining ingredients except mixed greens; toss and serve as is or over mixed greens.

Tip

Making your own toasted bread cubes is a snap. Simply preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place bread cubes in a single layer in a baking dish and bake 15 minutes, or until golden, stirring twice. Allow to cool then use as directed.