*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                           Mediterranean Salad

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Salads

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      cups          French or Italian bread -- preferably day old
          in            2 inch cubes
   1      tablespoon    Olive oil
   1      cup           English cucumber -- in 1/2 inch cubes
     1/3  cup           Red pepper -- 1/2 inch pieces
     1/2  cup           Green onions -- thinly sliced
   4      cups          Parsley leaves -- coarsely chopped
   2      medium        Tomatoes -- cut in 1/2 " cubes
                        -----DRESSING-----
   2      tablespoons   Lemon juice
     3/4  teaspoon      -Salt
   1      large         Garlic cloves -- finely chopped
     1/2  teaspoon      -pepper, black -- ground
   1      teaspoon      Cinnamon -- ground
     1/4  teaspoon      Allspice -- ground
   9      tablespoons   Olive oil -- extra virgin

""NOTE: After a couple of hours, the croutons will start to absorb the dressing. Some people like this; others do not. 
Time the addition of the croutons to suit your taste." 
 Preheat oven to 350F. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet & toss with the oil
. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, turning them every few minutes. 
They will take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how fresh the bread is. 
Assemble the cucumber, peppers, green onion and parsley in a large bowl;
 leave out the tomatoes for now. Prepare the dressing: 
Stir the lemon juice, salt and garlic together until the salt dissolves.
 Add the pepper, cinnamon and allspice, then slowly beat in the olive oil.
 (May be prepared up to 12 hours ahead to this point.
) Place the cut up tomatoes on top of the other vegetables.
 Pour on the dressing and toss well; add the croutons and toss again (see note).



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