Tomato and mint salad

Tomato Salad with Mint and Toasted Bread

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

I invite you to discover a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the refreshing aromas of mint and the crunchy texture of toasted bread. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or side dish, and moreover, it is quick to prepare! It is an ideal choice for hot summer days or for relaxing moments with friends.

Before we start, let’s take a look at the ingredients:

Ingredients:
- 5-6 cherry tomatoes
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain for added nutrients)
- A few fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (or 1 clove of fresh garlic, if you prefer)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Helpful tip: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, but you can also use larger tomatoes, diced, if you prefer. Choose fresh, quality bread to achieve the best texture.

Recipe history:
This simple and tasty salad has its roots in Mediterranean culinary traditions, where fresh ingredients and natural flavors are essential. In many cultures, the combination of tomatoes and mint is seen as a symbol of summer, bringing a touch of freshness to meals served on sunny terraces.

Step by step, let’s get started:

1. Preparing the toasted bread:
- Start by toasting the two slices of bread in a non-stick skillet. You can use a little olive oil to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Toast them on both sides for 2-3 minutes, until golden. Then, let them cool for 2-3 minutes on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the slices of bread into cubes of about 1.5 cm. This will allow the flavors to integrate better into the salad.

2. Preparing the tomatoes:
- Wash the cherry tomatoes well and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. You can opt for smaller cuts to make them easier to eat.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cut tomatoes with the toasted bread cubes. Add the fresh mint leaves, finely chopped. Mint not only brings a fresh aroma but also a pleasant visual aspect to your salad.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you choose to use fresh garlic, grate it finely before adding.

4. Finalizing the salad:
- Drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil, being careful not to overdo it, but adding enough to coat the ingredients. Mix everything gently so that each bread cube absorbs some of the tomato juice and mint aroma.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld, providing a much more intense taste.

Serving:
After the salad has chilled, it is ready to serve! You can garnish it with a few fresh mint leaves for an even more attractive look. This salad pairs perfectly with a piece of grilled fish or tender meat, but it can also be a delicious appetizer on its own.

Delicious combinations:
You might try adding feta cheese for extra creaminess or Kalamata olives for a salty note. Also, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can add extra depth to the flavor.

Nutritional information:
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy! Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants, while mint adds freshness and has beneficial digestive effects. Whole grain bread provides fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of bread?
Of course! Rye bread or gluten-free bread are excellent options.
- How can I store the salad for later?
It is recommended to consume the salad immediately after preparation, but you can keep the ingredients separate in the fridge to mix them later.

I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment in the kitchen and delight your family and friends with a fresh and delicious salad! Feel free to add a personal touch, adapting it to your tastes. Enjoy!