1teaspoonchopped fresh oregano, or 1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
Pinchsalt and freshly ground pepper
1/2baguette
Salad Dressing:
3Tablespoonsolive oil
2teaspoonsred wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
For the salad:
3cupsCherry tomatoes, halved
1/4red onion, thinly sliced
6fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
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Instructions
For the Homemade Garlic Croutons: Melt butter in a small saucepan over LOW heat. Add garlic cloves. Cover saucepan and cook, stirring and checking regularly, for 10-15 minutes. Watch closely and don't raise heat above low, or garlic and/or butter may burn. Transfer garlic (and any butter) to a medium bowl and let cool completely.
Once garlic has cooled, add Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mash to a paste and season with a little salt and freshly ground pepper.
Preheat your oven broiler with rack about 6-8 inches from heat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Slice the 1/2 baguette in half lengthwise. Place two baguette pieces on baking sheet and broil, cut side down, until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes (watch carefully). Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then flip over and spread cut side with garlic paste. Broil until cheese is golden and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Cut one of the baguette slices into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
For the salad: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices and chopped basil. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Whisk together the salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle over tomato mixture and toss to combine. Add only enough to moisten. Add some of the garlic bread cubes. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
You'll have more garlic croutons than you need for one salad. Wrap and refrigerate any extra to use for another salad later.