A bruschetta salad is a lettuce-based salad with a bruschetta dressing, often using store-bought croutons. It includes chopped tomatoes, olive oil, and other flavorings, and can also include vegetables, fruits, and cheese. Some versions add slices of cooked steak.
Normally quick to make and flavorful to eat, a bruschetta salad is a lettuce-based salad that includes a bruschetta dressing. An Italian dish, bruschetta is toasted, usually topped, bread topped with a blend of chopped tomatoes, olive oil, and other flavorings. Although a bruschetta salad may use slices of toasted bread like real bruschetta, store-bought croutons are more often used instead. Usually considered a side dish, some salad versions of bruschetta may be served as a main course.
Depending on the version, many bruschetta ingredients may be premade. An oil and vinegar flavored dressing, such as Roman basil or Parmesan balsamic vinaigrette, is normally used, but it is also possible to create a homemade vinaigrette. Store-bought seasoned croutons are also a frequent choice. When making homemade crostini, Italian or French bread is usually used. The bread is often brushed with the dressing before being cooked for toasting.
Tomatoes are a vital ingredient for the bruschetta mix and thus for a bruschetta salad. They are often fresh but are sometimes canned. Canned tomatoes with additional flavorings, such as basil, can be chosen. Other vegetables or fruits, such as cucumbers, onions and avocados can also be included in the mix. Additional toppings, such as basil or capers, are often included if the tomatoes or dressing don’t already provide them.
Romaine lettuce is often chosen for the leafy portion of the dish. Spinach or arugula are also options. Occasionally, one version forgoes a leafy vegetable and uses fresh herbs instead, such as basil leaves. In addition to lettuce, mozzarella or Parmesan cheese is often added to a bruschetta salad. Some varieties will add a cold meat, like peppers.
The bruschetta mixture is usually prepared first when making a bruschetta salad. If fresh tomatoes are used, they are chopped, along with any other fruits or vegetables. Then, they are combined with the dressing and toppings and tossed. Next, the mixture is tossed with the lettuce and croutons, or simply combined with the lettuce and placed on slices of toasted bread or topped with the croutons.
Several versions of bruschetta salad add slices of cooked steak to create a cold contrast when eaten. The steaks are usually grilled and can be seasoned in advance with just salt and pepper or a more complex spice rub. Once cooked, the steak is thinly sliced and placed on the salad. When using steak, the mixture of meat, lettuce and bruschetta is normally layered on slices of whole-grain bread.
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