Fresh basil (locally grown) is now available at Kitchen Conservatory. Come by and pick up a bouquet for $2, since there is no such thing as too much basil. Even if you don’t use it in cooking, the sweet aroma of basil makes a lovely centerpiece. Or use the basil in this salad to remember summer.

Tuscan Grilled Bread Salad

• 1 loaf of crusty bread or French baguette, sliced, brushed with olive oil, grilled, and chopped
• 4 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, charred on grill until blackened, peeled, and chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced on a mandolin
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, mix together the bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumbers, pepper, onion, and basil. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and mustard. Slowly pour in the oil while whisking. Pour the dressing over the salad.