Flavorful Tomato BBQ Bread Salad Recipe

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

15 minutes

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Tomato BBQ Bread Salad Recipe

Bring fresh summer flavors to your next backyard barbecue with this Tomato BBQ Bread Salad Recipe from License to Grill, hosted by Rob Rainford. Featuring juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, crispy grilled French bread, fresh basil, chives, garlic, and tangy balsamic vinegar, this easy salad delivers a delicious combination of crunchy textures and savory flavors. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or outdoor entertaining, this refreshing tomato bread salad transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying barbecue side dish.

The Inspiration

Bread salads are a delicious way to combine fresh vegetables with toasted bread, creating a satisfying dish filled with contrasting textures. In License to Grill, Rob Rainford introduces a barbecue-inspired version using vine-ripened tomatoes, grilled French bread, aromatic herbs, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

Inspired by the simplicity of traditional Italian bread salads, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the smoky character of bread toasted directly on the grill. Red onion adds sharpness, jalapeño provides gentle heat, and fresh basil and chives bring vibrant herbal flavors.

With its straightforward preparation and fresh ingredients, this tomato BBQ bread salad is an excellent addition to backyard barbecues, summer gatherings, and casual family meals. The combination of crisp bread, juicy tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar creates a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats and seafood.

Ingredients

4 large vine ripened tomato, cut in wedges
½ red onion, sliced thin
1 small jalapeno pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic
½ cup chopped chive (125ml)
3 tablespoons basil, leaf torn (45ml)
¼ cup balsamic vinegar (62ml)
1 teaspoon salt and pepper (5ml)
3 thick slices of French bread cut 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)

Method

Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
Rub olive oil on both sides of the sliced bread. Oil the grill and toast the bread until very crisp. Leave the slices to cool then cut them into 1 inch squares.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. Add bread cubes and toss again. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For seafood lovers, this salad makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled sea bass, salmon, shrimp, or scallops. The fresh basil, chives, and ripe tomatoes enhance the delicate flavors of seafood without overpowering them. A drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of fresh lemon over the grilled fish can help bring the meal together.

For casual backyard gatherings, serve the tomato BBQ bread salad in a large bowl alongside grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or other fresh seasonal salads. Its bright colors and aromatic herbs make it an appealing addition to a summer barbecue spread.

For a complete License to Grill menu, pair Rob Rainford’s tomato BBQ bread salad with grilled sea bass, pork tenderloin, or spicy chicken legs. The combination of fresh tomatoes, tangy balsamic vinegar, and crisp grilled bread complements the smoky richness of grilled proteins, creating a satisfying outdoor meal.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato BBQ Bread Salad Recipe from License to Grill is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that combines juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, crispy grilled French bread, fresh herbs, and tangy balsamic vinegar. Rob Rainford’s simple approach highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes while adding a smoky barbecue twist through freshly grilled bread.

Find more recipes from License to Grill here!