Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
A quick and easy Mediterranean snack featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and toasted bread, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 medium ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
- 15–20 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 loaf baguette or rustic Italian bread, sliced about ½ inch thick
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Rinse and dry tomatoes. Dice into roughly ½-inch pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
- Wash and dry basil leaves. Stack, roll tightly, and slice thinly to chiffonade. Add to tomatoes.
- Mince garlic cloves and add to the bowl. Drizzle in olive oil and balsamic vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine without making tomatoes mushy.
- Slice bread into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Optional: Rub each warm toast with a peeled garlic clove immediately after toasting for a milder garlic flavor.
- Top each toasted bread slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato and basil mixture, including some juice but avoid sogginess.
- If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan or feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free bread or crispbread. Basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano. Balsamic vinegar can be replaced with fresh lemon juice. Toast bread just before serving to keep it crisp. Tomato mixture can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. Avoid freezing tomato mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2-3 bruschetta
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: bruschetta, tomato, basil, Mediterranean snack, easy appetizer, fresh, light, garlic, olive oil