Crispy Crouton Salad

Crispy Crouton Salad

Course :	Salads
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	6

Ingredients:

		---DRESSING---
6	tablespoons	olive oil
3	tablespoons	balsamic vinegar
3	cloves	garlic. minced
1/8	teaspoon	salt
1/8	teaspoon	black pepper -- (or to taste)
		---SALAD---
1	pound	tomatoes -- (about 2 large), chopped
1	large	yellow pepper -- cut into 3/4-inch pieces
6	ounces	mozzarella cheese -- cut in 1/2-inch pieces
1/3	cup	fresh basil -- coarsely chopped
		---CROUTONS---
4	ounces	crusty italian bread
1	bunch	fresh basil -- (garnish)

Preparation:

Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad until evenly coated. Let stand at room temperature for up to 1 hour. Cut bread into 3/4-inch cubes and toast under broiler, stirring occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned. Just before serving, add croutons to salad and mix gently. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

231 Calories (kcal); 21g Total Fat; (78% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 25mg Cholesterol; 169mg Sodium