Grilled Bread Salad

Directions

1. 1
   Start a 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.
3. 3
   Grill or broil the bread, watching carefully and turning as each side browns and chars slightly; total time will be about 5 minutes.
4. 4
   While the bread cools, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic (if using), and tomatoes in a large bowl.
5. 5
   Mash the tomatoes with the back of a fork to release all of their juices.
6. 6
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7
   Cut the bread into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes (no larger) and toss it with the dressing.
8. 8
   Let the bread sit for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing occasionally and tasting a piece every now and then.
9. 9
   The salad is at its peak when the bread is fairly soft but some edges remain crisp, but you can serve it before or after it reaches that state.
10. 10
    When its ready, stir in the herb and serve.
11. 11
    Bread Salad Served with Seafood: If youre serving the salad alongside seafood, consider adding 1/4 cup chopped olives, 1 tablespoon capers, and/or 2 minced anchovy fillets (or a little less of each) to the salad.
12. 12
    Bread Salad with Shrimp or Chicken: Grill or broil some shrimp or skinless, boneless chicken alongside the bread (you dont need as much as you would if you were serving the shrimp or chicken apart from the salad), then add the chunks to the salad.
13. 13
    Bread Salad with Tuna: Add a goodly amount of tuna (only the Italian kind, packed in olive oil, please) to the mix.