Grilled Bread Salad Recipe

This Grilled Bread Salad recipe combines crispy garlic-grilled artisan bread, melted goat cheddar, juicy heirloom cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, and a bright homemade caper vinaigrette to create a hearty and refreshing summer salad. Featured on Fresh Market Dinners, this rustic Italian-inspired recipe transforms simple ingredients into a colorful side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, outdoor entertaining, and family dinners. Served alongside Rosemary Chicken Skewers, it delivers the ideal balance of fresh vegetables, crisp bread, and bold Mediterranean flavors.

The Inspiration

Bread salads have long been celebrated throughout Italy as a delicious way to make use of day-old artisan bread while highlighting the freshest seasonal vegetables. Inspired by the classic Tuscan panzanella, this Grilled Bread Salad recipe takes the traditional concept one step further by grilling thick slices of bread until lightly charred before topping them with creamy goat cheddar and fragrant rosemary.

On Fresh Market Dinners, Amanda Herrera showcases recipes that embrace fresh farmers’ market ingredients while encouraging home cooks to create memorable meals using simple techniques. This salad perfectly reflects that philosophy by pairing ripe heirloom cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and crisp red onion with a vibrant homemade dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, shallots, and capers. Every ingredient contributes its own unique flavor, creating a harmonious balance of richness, acidity, freshness, and crunch.

Whether you’re preparing a backyard barbecue, packing for a picnic, or looking for a satisfying side dish to accompany grilled meats, this salad offers a fresh and rustic take on one of Italy’s most beloved seasonal recipes.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
¾ cup (180 ml) finely grated goat cheddar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary
6 slices artisan bread
2 cups (480 ml) halved heirloom cherry tomatoes
½ large red onion, roughly chopped
¾ cup (180 ml) torn basil leaves
Salt and pepper

Dressing

½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons (30 ml) minced shallots
2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped capers

Method

Mix olive oil with crushed garlic cloves in a small mixing bowl and let sit 15 minutes.
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Grate cheddar and mix with rosemary. Slice loaf of bread into thick slices. Brush both sides with garlic oil. Place on grill for 1-2 minutes. Flip bread slices and sprinkle with cheese mixture. Close lid and cook another 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted and crispy. Take off grill and cool for a couple of minutes. Cut into cubes.
Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, shallots, and capers to a large mixing bowl and whisk until combined. Place tomatoes, chopped onions, and basil leaves into bowl with dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Add cubed grilled bread. Toss gently to combine.
Serve with Rosemary Chicken Skewers (see recipe).

Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Bread Salad recipe is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian barbecue favorites. As featured on Fresh Market Dinners, it is the perfect accompaniment to Rosemary Chicken Skewers, where the bright tomato salad complements the herb-marinated chicken and smoky grilled lemons. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, roasted salmon, pork chops, grilled shrimp, or vegetable kebabs.

For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a bowl of soup or enjoy it as a hearty lunch with additional grilled vegetables. When entertaining, present the salad on a large rustic platter and garnish with extra basil leaves, shaved goat cheddar, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Its vibrant colors and rustic presentation make it an excellent centerpiece for summer picnics, patio dinners, and family-style gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Bread Salad recipe is a delicious celebration of simple ingredients transformed through thoughtful preparation. Crispy grilled artisan bread, creamy goat cheddar, juicy heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy caper vinaigrette come together to create a satisfying salad that’s bursting with texture and fresh seasonal flavor.

Find more recipes from Fresh Market Dinners here!