For the Dressing

• 60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) Dijon mustard
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt
• Black pepper

For the Salad

• 1 L (4 cups) bread cubes (from a baguette or rustic loaf)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt
• 8 thin slices of pancetta (about 65 g)
• 1/2 package of Bergeron Le Populaire cheese (170 g)
• 1 L (4 cups) heirloom tomatoes, vine tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes, quartered, sliced, or halved
• 60 ml (¼ cup) finely sliced red onion
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze (see note, optional)

For the Dressing: In a jar, add all ingredients. Close and shake vigorously. Set aside at room temperature.

For the Salad:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss with hands to coat evenly.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool.
5. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the pancetta slices.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp. Let cool, then break into bite-sized pieces.
7. Slice the Bergeron Le Populaire cheese into 1 cm (½ in) thick slices.
8. In a lightly oiled grill pan, grill the cheese slices on both sides. Transfer to a plate.
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared tomatoes, bread cubes, and red onion.
10. Add half of the dressing and toss gently. Fold in the grilled cheese slices, then transfer the salad to a serving platter.
11. Garnish with crispy pancetta and fresh basil leaves.
12. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, followed by a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
13. Season with black pepper and serve immediately.

Note: Balsamic glaze (also called balsamic cream) is available in most grocery stores. To make it at home, heat 125 ml (½ cup) balsamic vinegar with 60 ml (¼ cup) brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring, then simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Let cool and store at room temperature in a sealed container.