As you approach the home, you are met with an exterior that showcases exquisite craftsmanship as it offers a nod to transitional West Indies architecture. Just enough visual interest has been added with simple corbels and blue painted shutters. This keeps the look more contemporary as it keeps with the coastal architectural theme. Colorful landscaping with tropical hints pops against the slightly off white tone of the walls while dark wood accents pop and add contrast. A wide paver driveway leads to two, two-car garages that create a half courtyard effect thanks to the home’s almost symmetrical design.
hen it comes to beautiful properties, South Florida has many to choose from. From gorgeous estates, to sparkling condos, and fantastic villas, there is a home for everyone here. But from time to time there are some standouts available and this home, built by Stock Custom Homes, is one of those special properties. The attention to details, the livability, the design - everything comes together to create a really unique home. “While anyone would enjoy living here, I think people looking for that quintessential Florida lifestyle are the ones who will enjoy this spacious property the most,” stay listing agent Crystal Tobe. “It’s really set up for entertaining but entertaining with the outdoors in mind as the outdoor spaces, like the beautiful outdoor kitchen and lanai, are just so special.” The home is also perfect for a growing family, either through their own children or the addition of grandchildren. Situated on an acre lot, the expansive yard is perfect for family activities and the home’s 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath layout allows for separate spaces for family members to relax.
Adding to the home’s special feel is the neighborhood setting. Location in the Quail West Golf & Country Club, this home offers access to a community with lifestyle amenities that rival the best in the country. Residents enjoy a spectacular 100,000-square-foot clubhouse, two-story fitness center and two, beautifully restored Arthur Hills golf courses, pickleball and tennis courts, bocce, indoor lap pool, a full-service spa and more. The exclusive private
OPENING ACT
club, which has been honored multiple times as Community of the Year, offers a collection of magnificent single-family and estate homes with vistas of green fairways and glistening lakes. Its amenity-rich lifestyle, combined with its proximity to Southwest Florida’s best beaches, dining, and world-class shopping, establish Quail West as Naples’ most exceptional address and a highly sought after real estate destination.
Inside the home, a living room and bar area greet both family and guests as they arrive. Beyond, the view of the beautiful pool and the 10th hole of the Lakes golf course are a beautiful picture. In the living room, a stone clad fireplace offers an elegant focal point for the room as it balances the bar, also clad in the same stone, on the opposite side of the room. A comfortable seating area is made more visually interesting thanks to the different shapes and lines of the sofa and armchairs. Elegant curves and oversized arms create a unique feel to the room. The home’s design leans more contemporary and the use of neutral colors with well placed accents to colors lends itself well to the theme.
WELCOMING PRESENCE
The home’s well appointed wet bar and dining room offer a space for more formal entertainment. The impressive waterfall island is perfect for entertaining while elegant cabinetry offers plenty of storage for all the different glasses and accessories a drink aficionado needs to create a memorable night in. Overhead, large pendant lights offer a touch of gold while silver and gray barstools bring in a mixed metals theme. Open storage for wine gives the bar the feel of a European bistro. Next to the bar, the dining room features a dark stained table and seating for eight topped with a unique glass chandelier with panels that look like small sails. The builtin buffet provides storage and service area while not intruding into the space. Contemporary artwork brings in a splash of subtle color.
EATING WELL
Open to the great room, the kitchen and breakfast nook are two well appointed spaces that offer the ultimate in entertaining and family space. Lighter cabinets in a natural wood tone provide enough storage space for even the most active cook. Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances offer exceptional tools for meal prep. The kitchen features a double oven, double wide fridge/freezer combo, a wine fridge, and two dishwashers and ice makers. Behind the gas range, a beautiful inlay sparkles and ties in the stone counters with the backsplash. In the breakfast nook, the dining table seats six comfortably and offers a place to both start and end the day in casual style. Above the table, a large chandelier is suspended from a ceiling that features beams and tongue and groove details.
Behind the gas range, a beautiful inlay sparkles and ties in the stone counters with the backsplash.
LIVING LARGE
The vaulted ceiling in the kitchen carries into the great room, trying the two spaces together. Surrounded by banks of floor to ceiling windows and pocketing, zero-edge sliding doors, this room offers a modern twist to the old style Florida rooms. A cozy seating arrangement with neutral colored sofas is accented with sunny yellows and soft grays. The accent wall provides a nice focal point in the space while also providing a home for the entertainment center. The room provides a sweeping view of the outdoor areas and opens on to the lanai for a true indoor/outdoor experience.
9 - 5
The home office offers the perfect work-from-home space or as a place to run the day to day activities of the family. The simple yet well appointed, mushroom toned desks and complementary credenza offer storage and a place to pay bills and take meetings. The room is accented with pops of gold and silver which bring in the mixed metals from other rooms in the home.
SWEET DREAMS
The comfortable primary bedroom brings in a range of gold tones to create a space that is luxurious and relaxing. The headboard wall has been accented with wood panels and is flanked by two nightstands with Midcentury appeal. Metallic lamps mimic the shape of driftwood and complement the sheen of the bedspread and accent pillows. Simple drapes add softness to the space and accent the tall ceilings.
RELAXING RETREAT
A backlit stone wall creating a spa-like feel in the primary bathroom. Soft colors and high-end finishes create a great space to begin and end each day. The freestanding tub has been placed in front of the large shower with dual entries and beautiful tile accents.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
The home’s pièce de résistance are the outdoor living areas. With almost 2,000 square feet of living space, the home offers an outdoor kitchen, living room, elevated sun deck, pool, spa, dining area, and retractable screens and shutters. Different seating and dining areas allow family and friends to spend hours outside enjoying the amazing weather and the charm of the home’s Quail West setting. On one side of the home, two groupings provide ample seating with one set up to facilitate conversation and game play while the other is situated around the stone-clad, outdoor fireplace. The continuation of the neutral color palette allows for a seamless feel from inside to out.
The outdoor kitchen offers the best in cabinetry that can survive the humid conditions a Florida summer can bring. A large stainless steel range hood sits over the grill which is perfect for a large outdoor dinner party. A stepped counter top provides enough space for meal preparation and for seating.
The outdoor kitchen offers the best in cabinetry that can survive the humid conditions a Florida summer can bring
This home is for sale at the time of publication. Please contact the Realtor who sent you this magazine to learn more about it and other great homes in your area.
Summer is the season of spontaneous road trips, long weekend escapes, and well-deserved vacations. But for houseplant lovers, stepping away from home can bring a twinge of anxiety: Who will water the plants? Will they survive a week (or two) without attention? Can I truly relax if my fern is wilting back home?
The good news: With the right selection of plants and a few clever prep strategies, your indoor garden can not only survive your vacation but thrive in your absence. This guide walks you through the best low-maintenance houseplants, watering hacks, and simple prep tips to keep your green friends healthy while you’re off making summer memories.
Easy-Care Greenery
Easy-Care Houseplants for Stress-Free Travel
If you travel often or tend to forget a watering session here and there, these resilient houseplants are your best bet. They’re beautiful, forgiving, and can go a week or more without constant care.
Snake Plant
(Sansevieria)
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this architectural beauty is practically indestructible. It stores water in its thick leaves, tolerates low light, and can go up to two weeks (or more) without watering.
Light: Low to bright indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks
ZZ Plant
(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Shiny, waxy leaves and slow growth make the ZZ plant a perfect set-it-and-forget-it choice. It thrives on neglect and actually prefers to dry out between waterings.
Light: Low to medium indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks
Pothos
(Epipremnum aureum)
This trailing vine is a favorite for a reason. Pothos are adaptable, grow quickly, and are very forgiving. If the leaves droop slightly while you’re away, a deep watering usually revives them quickly.
Light: Low to bright indirect
Water: Every 1–2 weeks
Summer Getaways for
Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum)
These cheerful, bushy plants are tough and resilient. They bounce back well from missed waterings and even thrive in hanging baskets, which can be placed out of direct sunlight.
Light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 1–2 weeks
Peace Lily
(Spathiphyllum)
If you want a flowering option, peace lilies offer elegant white blooms and glossy foliage. While they prefer more regular watering, they can tolerate brief dry spells and will droop dramatically when thirsty, making their needs easy to read.
Light: Medium to low indirect
Water: Every 1–1.5 weeks
Aloe Vera
This succulent doubles as a healing plant and a hardy housemate. Aloe prefers dry conditions and minimal fuss—perfect for a sunny windowsill.
Light: Bright indirect or direct
Water: Every 3–4 weeks
Watering Hacks for Vacation-Proof Plants
Even drought-tolerant plants need a little prep before you head out the door. These watering hacks will help you extend moisture levels and keep your plants thriving while you’re away.
Water Deeply Before Leaving
Give all your plants a thorough watering the day before you leave. This doesn’t mean flooding the pot, but do let the water soak through until it drains from the bottom. Be sure to empty saucers so the roots don’t sit in standing water.
Use Self-Watering Planters
These containers feature a built-in reservoir that allows plants to draw up water as needed. Great for plants like pothos, spider plants, or herbs, self-watering pots can keep roots hydrated for up to two weeks.
Try the Water Wick Method
Insert one end of a cotton rope or shoelace into the soil and place the other end in a jar of water. Capillary action will slowly deliver moisture to the plant while you’re gone. This works especially well for medium-sized potted plants.
Prep Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave
Here’s a quick to-do list to help ensure your plants stay happy and hydrated while you’re away:
g Water deeply the day before departure
g Move plants out of direct sunlight
g Group plants together to boost humidity
g Set up water wicks or self-watering systems
g Add mulch or top dressing to retain moisture
g Trim yellowing or dying leaves
g Remove fresh flowers or cuttings that may wilt quickly
g Ask a neighbor to check in (optional, but reassuring!)
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Group Plants Together
Move your houseplants into one room (like a bathroom or guest room) out of direct sun. This increases humidity and helps reduce evaporation. Grouping them together also creates a microclimate that retains moisture.
Use Mulch or Pebbles
Add a thin layer of mulch, sphagnum moss, or pebbles on top of the soil to slow water evaporation. This can be especially helpful for larger potted plants or tropical varieties.
Plastic Bag Greenhouse (For Small Plants)
For very delicate plants, place a clear plastic bag over the plant and pot to create a mini greenhouse. Just be sure the bag doesn’t touch the leaves, and leave a few air holes. This trick traps moisture and can sustain a plant for up to two weeks.
Homecoming: Reviving Stressed Plants
If you return to find a few droopy leaves, don’t panic. Most plants bounce back quickly with a little care:
1. Rehydrate dry soil slowly and thoroughly.
2. Trim any crispy or dead leaves.
3. Mist tropical plants to boost humidity.
4. Give plants time—they often perk up after 24–48 hours.
In Summary:
Let Your Plants Vacation Too. With the right prep and plant choices, your indoor garden doesn’t h ave to suffer when you take a break. In fact, many plants benefit from a bit of benign neglect—and you benefit from returning home to a space that still feels alive and green. So go ahead: pack your bags, lock the door, and leave your plants to soak up their own kind of stillness. Peaceful, slow-growing, and waiting for your return.
Pack a Throwback
Retro-Inspired Picnic Essentials for a Nostalgic Summer
There’s something magical about a vintage summer picnic—gingham cloths, glass bottles of soda, enamel plates, and the slow ritual of a meal outdoors. Luckily, you don’t need to rummage through antique stores or inherit Grandma’s camping kit to get the look. Here are 11 modern products that channel retro charm while offering the convenience of today’s designs.
There’s a hush to summer mornings that begs to be noticed. Before the heat rises, before the world stirs too loudly, there’s a pause—a breath. Birds call softly, light filters through leaves, and time stretches just a bit. These early hours hold a kind of promise: the chance to begin slowly, gently, and with presence.
Morning rituals, especially in summer, aren’t about productivity. They’re about tuning in—calibrating your mind and body to move through the day with more intention and less urgency. Whether you’re an early riser by nature or simply looking to savor the long light of summer, this season offers a beautiful invitation to create morning rhythms that restore instead of rush. Here’s how to shape your summer mornings into moments of peace.
Rituals
Wake with the Light
Instead of waking to a jarring alarm, try rising with natural light. In the summer, this is often easier. Open your curtains just enough to let in the early morning glow. Let your body respond to the gradual brightening.
If you’re in a place where sunrise is very early, consider a sunrise alarm clock that mimics the soft light of dawn, waking you gently. This kind of start sets a slower, more peaceful tone for the day.
A Ritual Beverage
Begin the day with a warm or cool drink, something that nourishes and soothes.
While coffee may be a staple, summer mornings also pair beautifully with gentle herbal infusions.
Herbal Tea Ideas for Morning Calm:
Lemon balm & chamomile: calming and digestive.
Mint & lavender: refreshing and lightly floral.
Nettle & rose hips: a vitamin-rich tonic with a subtle earthiness.
Gentle Movement
There’s no need for a high-intensity workout at sunrise. Summer mornings call for slow, opening movement: a stretch on the deck, a barefoot walk through dewy grass, a few yoga poses with the birds as your background music.
Consider:
• Cat-cow stretches to awaken the spine
• Forward folds to release tension in the back and hamstrings
• Neck rolls and shoulder shrugs to soften upper-body stiffness
• Gentle sun salutations facing the early sun
You might follow a guided video or move intuitively. Keep it short and sweet—5 to 10 minutes is enough to shift your energy. Add a soft soundtrack: birdsong, acoustic guitar, or ambient nature loops. Keep it low and inviting.
You can brew these hot or cold. Cold-steeped teas can be made the night before and enjoyed from a mason jar on the porch. Add a small ritual here—stirring slowly, sitting with your drink outdoors, or simply noticing the warmth in your hands. This isn’t just hydration; it’s a cue to be present.
Gentle Journaling or Reflection
Some people write pages, others jot a single word. A morning ritual of reflection is less about the quantity and more about the tone.
TRY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Three things you’re grateful for
• One thing you want to notice today
• A line of poetry or quote
• A sentence that starts with “Today I want to feel…”
• Use a notebook that feels good to hold. Keep it simple. This is not performance—it’s practice.
Bonus: keep your journal near your ritual beverage. Let the two become linked in rhythm.
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Outdoor Time
(Even Just a Few Minutes)
Nothing resets the nervous system like stepping outside. Summer mornings make this easy: the air is fresh, the world still quiet. Even if you only have five minutes, get out under the sky.
TRY:
• Sitting on your porch with your tea
• Watering your plants or garden
• Standing barefoot in grass or on your balcony
• Tending to a bird feeder or herbs
This micro-connection to nature—even from an apartment window—grounds you. It’s a gentle reminder that you’re part of something larger, something that moves slowly and wisely.
Soundscapes and Silence
What you hear in the morning matters. If silence is available to you, let it fill the space. If not, choose sounds that nurture instead of activate.
SOUND IDEAS:
• Nature recordings: loons on a lake, morning crickets, forest rain
• Instrumental playlists: soft piano, harp, or acoustic guitar
• Chime or bell apps: use a bell to mark the start and end of your morning time
• Avoid news, alerts, or podcasts first thing. Let the morning be its own story.
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Tending to Something Small
Summer mornings invite quiet caretaking. It might be a tomato plant, a sourdough starter, or a slow-simmering pot of oats. Caring for something—however small—connects you to the season.
IDEAS:
• Watering a garden or potted plant
• Feeding the birds
• Preparing a simple breakfast from scratch
• Organizing a corner of your home that’s collected clutter
This isn’t about chores. It’s about choosing one small act of tending and doing it with attention.
No-Scroll Starts
The summer morning ritual is an antidote to frantic scrolling. Resist the urge to reach for your phone. If you use it for music or a tea recipe, fine—but avoid email, news, and social apps in your first hour.
INSTEAD:
• Keep a real book nearby
• Play music through a speaker or radio
• Leave your phone in another room until after breakfast
• Let your thoughts belong to you before the world tries to shape them.
Why It Matters
In a season that can easily become over-scheduled, summer mornings offer an invitation to come home to yourself. To pause before the day picks up speed. To let calm lead.
Creating a morning ritual in the warmer months doesn’t require hours or expensive routines. It’s about shifting your first movements—choosing quiet over noise, depth over speed, intention over autopilot.
So whether you’re a gardener, a porch-sitter, or simply someone looking for more breath in your day, give yourself the gift of slow starts. Let your mornings be small sanctuaries—places where peace isn’t chased but simply found. After all, summer mornings don’t last forever. But their effects can linger long into the day, and the season beyond.
A Sample Summer Morning Ritual (30 Minutes Total)
Here’s how a peaceful summer start might look:
6:30am – Wake with natural light or a sunrise alarm
6:35am – Brew herbal tea or pour chilled infusion
6:40am – Step onto the porch, breathe in, sip slowly
6:45am – Light stretching or gentle yoga with soft music
6:55am – Write one journal line and water your basil plant
7:00am – Make a slow breakfast (granola, fruit, toast)
Modify this to your life, your timing, your flow. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence.
PorchThenLiving, and Now
Reclaiming Summer’s Front Row Seat
There was a time when the porch was more than a place to drop off muddy boots or leave a forgotten package. It was a stage for life’s quiet dramas and joyful intermissions. In small towns and big cities alike, porches served as a gathering place, a cooling station, a watchtower, and a haven. People sipped lemonade, waved to neighbors, read books, shelled peas, or simply sat, letting the heat of the day settle into their bones.
In the past few decades, many of us have traded that space for air-conditioned interiors and fenced-off backyards. But there’s a growing desire to return to a slower rhythm—a summer lived not behind closed doors but in the open air, feet up on the railing, watching the world go by. This is a story of porch living, then and now: how we lost touch with this treasured part of the home, and how we can bring it back.
The Golden Age of the Porch
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, porches were as much a part of American life as Sunday dinners and handwritten letters. They were architectural features that reflected both function and social values. Wraparound verandas, sleeping porches, and screened-in sitting areas weren’t just design choices—they were lifestyle enablers.
Before air conditioning, porches provided much-needed relief from the heat. In an era when cross-ventilation and ceiling fans were high-tech solutions, the porch was the original climate control system. Families would retreat outside in the evenings, fanning themselves and catching breezes, often pulling mattresses onto sleeping porches to escape stifling bedrooms.
Socially, porches acted as bridges between private life and public space. They were liminal zones where people could remain in their homes while engaging with the neighborhood. Children played on stoops, grandparents rocked in chairs, and neighbors chatted across railings. The front porch was community-building in its most natural form.
The Decline of Porch Culture
Post-World War II architecture brought a shift in residential design. With the rise of suburban sprawl and automobile-centric neighborhoods, homes moved away from the street, and porches became less essential. Air conditioning meant there was less need to seek relief outside. Backyard patios and decks offered more privacy, and television encouraged indoor entertainment. Over time, porches became ornamental or disappeared altogether. In many newer builds, what’s labeled a “front porch” might barely accommodate a chair, serving more as curb appeal than livable space. The communal, slow-living culture associated with porch life faded, replaced by more insular routines.
The Return to Slow Spaces
But the porch is making a quiet comeback. Whether driven by a yearning for nostalgia, a response to fast-paced digital life, or the rediscovery of local community during the pandemic, more people are reclaiming their porches.
Homeowners are turning these spaces into extensions of their living rooms. Designers are seeing a resurgence in clients wanting
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deeper porches, cozy seating, and versatile outdoor rooms. The rise of telecommuting has made it possible to enjoy daytime porch moments—coffee in the morning light, a quick lunch alfresco, or a call taken from a swing.
And then there’s the emotional draw: the porch as a metaphor for slowing down, being present, and embracing imperfection. Unlike curated Instagram corners or minimalist living rooms, porches invite a bit of mess and memory: a half-finished puzzle, a pair of muddy boots, a wind-tossed newspaper.
Styling the Modern Porch
Bringing Back the Magic
Reviving porch culture doesn’t require a renovation budget or a wraparound veranda. It’s about intention, comfort, and a few smart touches. Here are key elements to consider when styling a modern porch with a nod to the past:
1. Comfortable Seating
Look for pieces that invite lingering. A pair of rocking chairs, a deep-cushioned bench, or a porch swing brings movement and charm. Add layered textiles—outdoor pillows, throw blankets, even a small rug—to soften the space.
2. Natural Materials
Wicker, teak, rattan, and wrought iron lend a timeless feel. Vintage finds or family handme-downs enhance the sense of nostalgia. Mismatched chairs and painted tables offer character without fuss.
3. Soft Lighting
Overhead pendants, string lights, lanterns, or even battery-operated candles can create a cozy evening glow. Remember, porches are most magical at dusk.
4. Greenery and Blooms
Planters overflowing with ferns, geraniums, or herbs harken back to traditional Southern porches. Hanging baskets, window boxes, or trellised vines soften edges and connect the space to the garden.
Comfortable Seating
Greenery & Blooms
Natural Materials
Weather-Ready Textiles
5. Personal Touches
Include a bookshelf, a radio, a vintage fan, or framed family photos. Even practical items—a basket for dog leashes or a boot tray—make the space feel lived-in and loved.
6. Weather-Ready Textiles
Choose fade- and mildew-resistant fabrics. Sunbrella, Perennials, and other performance lines offer comfort without the worry. Slipcovers or washable throws let you add softness without stress.
Making Porch Life Your Own
Reclaiming your porch doesn’t have to mean rejecting modern comforts. Instead, it’s about creating a space that invites you to step outside your routine—literally and figuratively. Whether you have a deep wraparound porch or a modest stoop, what matters is using it with intention. Pour yourself something cold. Step outside. Watch the light change. Let the day settle. You’re on the porch now. That’s enough.
The Emotional Architecture of Porches
Beyond their aesthetic or practical function, porches hold emotional significance. They are memory-makers and mood-setters. Sitting on a porch can slow your breathing. It can spark conversation. It invites you to observe rather than scroll, to wave rather than withdraw.
A porch is where grandparents told stories, where teens shared secrets, where generations watched storms roll in. It’s where someone brought
Mexican Three-Bean Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
MAKES: 6 Servings
FOR THE SALAD:
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can cannellini beans or white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup fire-roasted corn (canned, thawed frozen, or grilled fresh)
1 small red bell pepper, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
1–2 jalapeños, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 small avocado, diced (optional; add just before serving)
½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
¼ cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or crushed tortilla chips for crunch (optional)
FOR THE CILANTRO-LIME VINAIGRETTE:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste
1. In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, honey, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
2. In a large bowl, mix the beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. If using avocado, wait until just before serving to add it so it doesn’t brown.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Top with pepitas or crushed tortilla chips for texture. Serve cold or at room temp with lime wedges on the side.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
SERVES: 4–6
1½ cups dry orzo pasta
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and halved
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely sliced or minced
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint or basil, chopped (optional)
FOR THE DRESSING:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chickpeas, olives, bell pepper, red onion, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or a few crumbled feta, if desired.
4 cups day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1½ pounds ripe tomatoes, a mix of cherry and heirloom, chopped
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella (optional)
2 tablespoons capers or a handful of pitted olives (optional)
FOR THE DRESSING:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1. Toast the bread (optional) if your bread isn’t already firm or stale, toss the cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and dry but not too crunchy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes (with juices), onion, and basil. Add mozzarella and olives or capers if using.
3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the bread to the salad and pour the dressing over. Toss everything well so the bread absorbs the juices. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Toss once more and garnish with additional basil and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
