Mediterranean salad

 
                            MEDITERRANEAN SALAD
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Salads
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    2       c            French or Italian bread
                         -preferably day old
                         -cut in 2 inch cubes
    1       T            Olive oil
    1       c            English cucumber
                         -in 1/2 inch cubes
      1/3   c            Red pepper -- 1/2 inch pieces
      1/2   c            Green onions -- thinly sliced
    4       c            Parsley leaves
                         -coarsely chopped
    2       md           Tomatoes -- cut in 1/2 " cubes
                         -----DRESSING-----
    2       T            Lemon juice
      3/4   ts           -Salt
    1       lg           Garlic cloves -- finely chopped
      1/2   ts           -pepper, black, ground
    1       t            Cinnamon, ground
      1/4   ts           Allspice, ground
    9       T            Olive oil -- extra virgin
 
   ""NOTE: After a couple of hours, the croutons will start to absorb the
   dressing. Some people like this; others (including the reviewer for
   Toronto Life!) do not. Time the addition of the croutons to suit your
   taste."
   Preheat oven to 350F. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet &
   toss with the oil. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, turning
   them every few minutes. They will take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how
   fresh the bread is.
   Assemble the cucumber, peppers, green onion and parsley in a large bowl;
   leave out the tomatoes for now.
   Prepare the dressing: Stir the lemon juice, salt and garlic together until
   the salt dissolves. Add the pepper, cinnamon and allspice, then slowly
   beat in the olive oil. (May be prepared up to 12 hours ahead to this
   point.)
   Place the cut up tomatoes on top of the other vegetables. Pour on the
   dressing and toss well; add the croutons and toss again (see note).
  
 
 
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