Grilled Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 1 small baguette (can substitute 8 oz. other crusty bread)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (can substitue white wine vinegar in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons diced shallots
• 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
• 1 1/2 lbs grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 cups frisee (or other fluffy salad mix)
• kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. 1

   Start a gas or charcoal grill or preheat the broiler; the rack should be 4 to 6 inches from the heat source.

2. 2

   Cut the bread lengthwise into quarters. Grill or broil the bread, watching carefully and turning as each side browns and chars slightly; total time will be less than 10 minutes.

3. 3

   While the bread cools, mix together the next seven ingredients in a large bowl. Mash the tomatoes slightly with the back of a fork to release all of their juices. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. 4

   Cut the bread into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes (no larger), and toss with ingredients in the bowl.

5. 5

   Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally and tasting a piece every now and then.

6. 6

   The salad is at its peak when the bread is fairly soft but some edges remain crisp, bu tyou can serve it before or after it reaches that state.

7. 7

   When it's ready, stir in the basil and serve.

8. 8

   Makes a great light meal on its own, or served with simply grilled meat, fish, or poultry.