Picture this: The lingering aroma of the sun-kissed tomatoes marries irresistibly with the poignant scent of freshly chopped basil, whisking your senses straight to a quaint Italian village where culinary dreams are birthed amidst rich traditions.
Every bite of the Bruschetta Salad is a cascade of vibrant flavors: a jubilant celebration of sweet, juicy tomatoes and the sharp zest of red onions, cradling the creamy delicateness of fresh mozzarella – this is not merely a salad – It’s an exquisite journey through the enchanting pathways of Italian gastronomy, where every ingredient tells a story.
What You Need For This Bruschetta Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of traditional balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 cups of mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, and/or lettuce)
- 1 cup of seasoned croutons
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Alternative Ingredients:
- Tomatoes – cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even different colored heirloom tomatoes
- Onion – Red onion, white onion, yellow onion, sweet onions, green onions
- Fresh Mozzarella – Feta cheese, goat cheese, or burrata
- Balsamic Vinegar – Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic glaze.
- Olive Oil – Any other neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola, or grapeseed oil would work, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Basil – Dried basil, fresh parsley, cilantro, or even mint
- Mixed Greens – Romaine lettuce, iceberg, kale, or any other leafy greens
- Croutons – Garlic bread, pita chips, or even toasted, chopped ciabatta
- Parmesan Cheese – Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese
- Fresh garlic – garlic powder
Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences and available ingredients – sometimes, the best new recipes come from creative replacements!
How to Make Bruschetta Salad with Balsamic Dressing in 5 Steps
This delicious salad is super easy to make, you will likely take less than 30 minutes to make it!
Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the chopped ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and basil – then add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil to the tomato mixture.
Step 2: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
Step 3: Then allow the mixt to sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens and the bruschetta mixture, gently tossing to ensure the greens are lightly coated in the balsamic-olive oil mixture.
Step 5: Add the fresh mozzarella cubes and toss gently to incorporate them into the tomato salad.
That’s it! Sprinkle some croutons and Parmesan cheese if desired on your plate and enjoy this crisp salad with the vibrant flavors of classic Italian bruschetta.
What to Serve Bruschetta Salad with
The Bruschetta Salad, with its lively and refreshing flavors, can complement a variety of dishes – perfect for summer parties or any gatherings!
Here are some ideas on what to serve it with:
- Italian Mains:
- Pizza – A slice of Margherita or your favorite pizza alongside this salad makes for a well-rounded Italian meal.
- Pasta – Think of classic dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese, Carbonara, or a simple Aglio e Olio.
- Risotto – A creamy risotto, perhaps flavored with saffron or mushrooms
- Grilled Proteins:
- Chicken – Grilled chicken breasts or thighs
- Fish – Consider a grilled salmon or a white fish like cod or sea bass
- Steak
- Vegetarian Dishes:
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Caprese Skewers – Enhance the Italian theme with mini skewers of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze
- Breads and Soups:
- Garlic Bread
- Minestrone Soup – A hearty Italian vegetable soup
- Instead of croutons you could even use stale bread (old bread)
- Dessert:
- Tiramisu
- Panna Cotta
- Cannoli
Tip: Wine – Don’t forget a bottle of crisp, white Italian wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti to elevate your dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You’ve got questions? Great! We’ve got the answers!
How to make an authentic Bruschetta Salad?
Crafting an authentic Bruschetta Salad involves combining fresh, diced tomatoes, red onions, garlic, and basil, then folding in cubes of mozzarella and drizzling with a balanced balsamic vinaigrette – garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and served over mixed greens with crispy croutons. Super delicious.
Can I prepare Bruschetta Salad in advance?
Yes and no! You can prepare Bruschetta Salad in advance – however, it may not be as fresh and even a bit soggy. So, while you can prep all the dry ingredients and then add the fresh ingredients like the tomatoes, onions, and basil with dressing right before serving.
How to store leftover Bruschetta Salad?
Store any leftover Bruschetta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note: Keep in mind that the tomatoes will release their juices over time, so don’t wait too long or it’ll get soggy.
Print
Easy Bruschetta Salad Recipe With Balsamic Dressing
Description
Ingredients:
- 4 medium fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of traditional balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 cups of mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, and/or lettuce)
- 1 cup of seasoned croutons
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Alternative Ingredients:
- Tomatoes – cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even different colored heirloom tomatoes
- Onion – Red onion, white onion, yellow onion, sweet onions, green onions
- Fresh Mozzarella – Feta cheese, goat cheese, or burrata
- Balsamic Vinegar – Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic glaze.
- Olive Oil – Any other neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola, or grapeseed oil would work, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Basil – Dried basil, fresh parsley, cilantro, or even mint
- Mixed Greens – Romaine lettuce, iceberg, kale, or any other leafy greens
- Croutons – Garlic bread, pita chips, or even toasted, chopped ciabatta
- Parmesan Cheese – Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese
- Fresh garlic – garlic powder
Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped ripe tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and basil – then add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil to the tomato mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Then allow the mixt to sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens and the bruschetta mixture, gently tossing to ensure the greens are lightly coated in the balsamic-olive oil mixture.
- Add the fresh mozzarella cubes and toss gently to incorporate them into the tomato salad.
That’s it! Share this delicious recipe with loved ones!
