Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                        ***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
                        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