What you’ll need:

1 Day Old Baguette
1 Clove of garlic, chopped finely
1/2 medium red onion, diced finely
1 small tomato, diced medium
1/2 english cucumber, diced medium
1 small, ripe avocado, cut into medium sized cubes
1/2 medium bell pepper, diced medium
1 1/2 tsp of salt
1 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp of dried herbs (mix)
1/4 cup of Olive Oil
1/4 cup of Balsamic Vinegar

Let’s Get Started!

Cut your baguette into medium sized cubes. Spread them onto a cookie sheet pan, sprinkle with olive oil and pop them into an oven preheated to 325 degrees. Let them bake for 5-6 minutes, give the pan a shake and then pop it back into the oven for another 4-5 minutes. Your goal is toasted bread but not rock hard bread. Once out of the oven, let the bread cool on the cookie sheet pan. The bread can be a little warm when adding it to your other ingredients but it should not be hot.
Cut your vegetables and garlic. Put them into the bowl that you are going to ultimately serve your salad in.
Add your cooled bread cubes to the bowl and proceed to add your olive oil and balsamic. Make sure to use good quality oil and vinegar because you want your salad to taste great. Now is your time as well to season with the herbs, salt and pepper.
Give everything a solid toss and taste. Feel free to add or change the seasoning to your liking.
Its best to let the salad sit a little bit so that the bread can absorb the oils and seasoning a bit. I would say it can sit for up to 45 min before serving without getting too mushy. Enjoy!
Serves 2-4 people (depending on if your eating the salad as an Entree or as a side)
Notes: I have had a few variations of this salad and love this one the most however I have had this salad with chopped olives, capers, artichoke hearts and even pine nuts. I’m ultimately giving you the building blocks and leaving the creativity to you! Please share your variation/changes, I would love to learn from you as well or simply try my version and let me know how it comes out! Bon Appetit!