Bread Salad

I know what you're thinking. "Oh my gosh, you can do that?!" Yes. I'm telling you, you can. It's perfectly acceptable to have a salad made of bread for dinner. Especially if you're carb-ing up for the upcoming Chicago Marathon. Not participating? Well, then, carb up in support of those who will. Or, maybe you're experiencing the train of thought of "Wait, you too?!" Yes indeedy. I loves me some bread salad. Just like you!

Bread salad is super easy to make and the perfect way to get in a "would you like some some carbs with that?" to make the veggies go down easier. Plus, most of the ingredients you'll likely already have handy. And you know how handy ingredients make me happy. Like bread for example. I'm not going to lie to you. Bread is a staple in this carbaholic's home. I honestly don't know what I'd do if I ever have to go without gluten. Probably attempt (in an epic fail mind you) to make my own gluten free bread. But that just sounds... next to impossible, doesn't it? I mean, what is good bread if not gluten-y? And for the record, no, gluten-free does not make something free. (No joke, a customer asked me this about one of our gluten-free products the other day.) Anyways, enough on that tangent and on to more bread! With a side of salad too, I guess. If you don't have lettuce around, fresh spinach, cabbage, or any kind of veggie slaw (TJ's broccoli slaw is a favorite in my household) make good substitutes. Or heck, even kale makes a good alternative. Remember that stuff?! 

Alright, no more stalling. Below you'll find my go-to standard for the basics of a good bread salad. Not in the mood for olives? Don't like onions? You know what I'm going to say... get crafty in the kitchen people, and make it your own. Try bread + salad greens + brie cheese, walnuts and sliced pears instead. Or bread + salad greens + goat cheese, beets, and sunflower seeds. What about bread + salad + Or try your own combo. But, seriously, just try it already!

KT's Crafty Bread Salad

No-budge ingredients : Salad greens, bread, olive oil (you can be skimpy), balsamic, a squeeze of lemon juice.

Suggested ingredients : Red onion, black olives, green olives (with pimentos), soft cheese (preferably goat or feta), a handful of your favorite nuts, for crunch (walnuts, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds are my favorites).
*Today, I used a combo of both olives, parmesan, tomatoes and roasted egg plant.

Prepare a bed of salad greens in a large bowl with your chosen combination of toppings, chopped into bite-size pieces. You can pan fry, or pop your bread in the oven to crisp it. Or, if you're having a lazy day, you can always just pop a slice in the toaster (I won't tell anyone, I promise). Cut your bread into bite-size pieces as well. (Feel free to be more generous with the bread chunks than I was in the picture below.) Again, here I like to use my favorite kitchen tool (say it with me now, folks), scissors! Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, salt and pepper to taste, and toss to mix. And there you have it. A most carbo-licious helping of veggies you won't feel terribly guilty about consuming.