Bacon, Basil, and Tomato Salad

Talk about delicious dishes - this 100% fresh-ingredient salad is the real deal, y'all. 

It is absolutely divine as a side dish with your favorite pasta and some sort of bread.  Even the little one loves this delicious dish! 

It really reminds me a lot of bruschetta and would also be great as an hors d'oeuvre with a nice baguette.

What You Need:
Toasted Bread Cubes
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups cubed country white bread or baguette (½ inch cubes)
1 garlic clove minced

Salad
4 cups diced tomatoes
½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
4-6 slices fully cooked bacon, crisp, chopped
½ cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste

Dressing
2 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar

Let's Cook:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. 
• Add bread cubes and garlic.
• Toast bread until golden brown.
• Set aside to cool.

Let's Create:

• Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
• Whisk oil and vinegar for dressing and drizzle over salad.
• Sprinkle with optional salt & pepper if desired.
• Stir well to blend the dressing with the salad.
• Top with toasted bread cubes.

YIELD:  5 Cups
Serving Size:  1¼ Cup
Nutrition Facts:   266 Calories, 15g Total Fat, 9g Protein

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