During a hectic workday last summer, I whipped up this cherry tomato salad for a quick lunch, which was excellent. It was so delicious that I served it as the first course for dinner, and it was a big hit with everyone. Even my picky eater, who typically avoids raw tomatoes, loved it. The secret is the homemade croutons. To make some, save your stale bread and make a batch of croutons to keep in the freezer. Add them to soups, salads, and even chicken dishes to soak up the delicious broth. Homemade croutons work wonders to make a dish more flavorful and interesting. This recipe idea is also a great option to serve guests, as it's a unique take on the traditional Caprese salad.
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil
Extra virgin olive oil
Homemade croutons
Sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
To prepare this dish, slice cherry tomatoes and add a few homemade croutons and fresh basil. Next, drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or Celtic salt.
Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Even without the croutons, a sweet cherry tomato salad is divine.
Learn how to make homemade croutons and why they outshine store-bought ones in this post.
Excellent olive oil is a crucial ingredient for this dish. It adds a robust, rich, healthy, and more delicious flavor than store-bought dressing. When selecting olive oil, look for an extra virgin first press or cold press for the best flavor. If you can go to a specialty shop for olive oil, ask the shop manager for advice, and they will help you navigate the choices.