Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing

Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing combines juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy feta and golden, crunchy gluten-free focaccia, all tossed in a delicious honey and fresh herb dressing. Every bite is bursting with flavour!

Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing (gluten-free)

About Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing

My father grew the most beautiful beefsteak tomatoes, and one of his favourite ways to enjoy them was with feta, plenty of extra virgin olive oil and bread to soak up all those delicious juices.

Like my father, I love growing my own tomatoes, and this salad brings back those wonderful memories every summer.

Inspired by traditional Greek bread salads, particularly Cretan Dakos, my version uses golden gluten-free focaccia croutons, ripe tomatoes and creamy feta, all brought together with a generous honey, shallot and fresh herb dressing.

The secret is placing the croutons underneath the tomatoes. They catch all those beautiful juices and dressing, becoming deliciously soaked while still keeping a little crunch.

It's simple, rustic Greek-inspired food, made with fresh ingredients and plenty of flavour.

Watch How to Make Greek Tomato Salad

https://youtu.be/4QuAl1lYXx8

Helpful Tips

• Choose Ripe, Flavourful Tomatoes.

  A mix of heirloom, Roma and cherry tomatoes brings different flavours, colours and textures. Cut them into wedges, rounds and halves to help catch the dressing.

• Make the Croutons Golden and Crispy.

  Spread the focaccia pieces in a single layer so they toast evenly. Let them cool slightly before assembling the salad to help preserve their crunch.

• Place the Croutons Underneath.

  This is what makes the salad so delicious. The croutons catch the tomato juices and herb dressing, becoming beautifully soaked while retaining some crisp edges.

• Use Authentic Greek Feta.

  Choose a creamy, tangy feta that breaks naturally into generous pieces. I prefer breaking it with a fork rather than cutting it into neat cubes.

• Use Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

  With such simple ingredients, a good-quality olive oil makes a difference. Its rich, fruity flavour brings together the tomatoes, feta and fresh herbs.

• Bring Out the Greek Oregano.

  Rub the dried oregano between your fingers before adding it to the dressing to release its wonderful aroma.

• Gluten-Free Bread Alternatives.

  If gluten-free focaccia isn't available, try gluten-free sourdough or a baguette. Make sure the bread is labelled gluten-free if cooking for someone with coeliac disease.

• Prepare Ahead.

  The dressing and croutons can be prepared ahead and stored separately. Assemble the salad shortly before serving so the bread doesn't become overly soft.

• Storing Leftovers.

  Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bread will soften as it absorbs the dressing, so this salad is best enjoyed freshly assembled.

Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing (gluten-free)

What to Serve With Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing

This salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch, with juicy tomatoes, creamy feta and golden gluten-free focaccia making it surprisingly satisfying.

It also makes a wonderful side dish alongside grilled meats, roast lamb or fish.

Biftekia (Greek Meat Patties)

Easy Greek Lamb Roast

Pull-Apart Lamb Cooked in a Pocket

Crispy Pork Schnitzel

Greek Fried Potatoes

Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing (gluten-free)

Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Recipe Category: Salad

Recipe Cuisine: Greek-Inspired

INGREDIENTS

Herb Dressing

1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano

¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 red shallot, finely chopped (or small red onion)

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon honey

3 tablespoons (60 ml) red wine vinegar

⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil

Greek Tomato Salad

600 g mixed tomatoes (heirloom, Roma and cherry), sliced

150 g Greek feta, broken into generous pieces

200 g gluten-free focaccia (or preferred gluten-free bread)

Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the Focaccia Croutons

Preheat the oven to 220°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Slice the focaccia horizontally in half, then cut into approximately 3 cm pieces.

Arrange on the baking tray, lightly drizzle or spray both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Bake for 12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes

Slice the tomatoes into a mixture of wedges, rounds and halves, creating different shapes and textures.

3. Make the Herb Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, dill, parsley and shallot.

Whisk until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad

Arrange the crispy focaccia croutons across the base of a large serving platter.

Layer the sliced tomatoes over the croutons, then scatter the Greek feta over the top.

Drizzle generously with the herb dressing, allowing it to soak through the tomatoes and into the croutons.

Gently toss to combine, then finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Serve immediately while the croutons still have some crunch.

Have you tried this recipe?

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Greek Tomato Salad with Focaccia Croutons and Herb Dressing (gluten-free)

Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare