Ingredients
Dressing and Base
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or sherry vinegar, more as desired
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Fruit
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- Kernels from 2 ears of fresh corn
- 10 small or 5 medium tomatoes, sliced into wedges
- 16 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 3 peaches, pitted and sliced
Other Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups cubed crusty bread
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In the bottom of a large bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice or sherry vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful dressing base.
- Add Onion and Corn: Add the sliced red onion and fresh corn kernels to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together thoroughly so the vegetables are coated evenly. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To the bowl, add the tomato wedges, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced peaches, and cubed crusty bread. Add half of the chopped fresh basil. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the bread absorbs the dressing and juices from the fruits and vegetables. Add extra olive oil if the bread seems dry, and adjust flavor with more lemon juice, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Let Salad Rest: Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the dressing and juices, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Give the salad a final toss to redistribute ingredients evenly. Top with the remaining fresh basil and, if using, sprinkle the roasted chickpeas on top for extra crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, burst of summery flavors.
Notes
- Use good-quality crusty bread for the best texture; day-old bread works well to absorb the dressing without becoming mushy.
- If sherry vinegar is not available, fresh lemon juice is a great alternative to provide acidity.
- You can customize with other seasonal fruits like nectarines or plums depending on availability.
- To make it a vegan-friendly dish, ensure the bread contains no animal products and omit any optional non-vegan toppings.
- For added protein and a crunchy finish, roasted chickpeas are a delicious optional addition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
