An Italian vegetarian dish built on whole ingredients.

Servings: 4
Active time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min

Organic sourcing

Heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers are ideal to buy organic as they are often treated with pesticides. Basil may also benefit from organic sourcing due to its delicate leaves.

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale rustic bread, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• to taste sea salt
• to taste freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with half of the olive oil. Toss to coat the bread evenly.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine the heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil leaves.
3. Add the remaining olive oil and red wine vinegar to the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the dressed vegetables to the bowl with the bread cubes. Toss everything together until the bread absorbs some of the juices.
6. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to soften slightly.

Notes

• If bread is not stale, toast it lightly for texture.
• Customize by adding capers or olives for extra flavor.
• Best enjoyed fresh, though it can sit for an hour if needed.

Source

Paraphrased from the culinary canon by Organic.is editors, 2026. Classic Italian recipe. If you'd like a specific source for further reading, ask Tinni (bottom-right) for a book recommendation.