Cialledda with Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Ingredients

• 4 cups (400g) day-old bread, cubed 4 cups (400g) day-old bread, cubed
• 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 2.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, basil, and parsley.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the bread and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. 4.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Cialledda salad chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — Using day-old bread is essential for this recipe as it absorbs the dressing without becoming too soggy. If you don't have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can grill the vegetables before adding them to the salad.
• Customize the salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as olives or capers.
• To make it heartier, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
• Make sure to let the salad sit for a while before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Serving advice

Serve the Cialledda salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It also makes a delicious light lunch when paired with a crusty baguette.

Presentation advice

Present the Cialledda salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.