Panzanella

12 servings
Back to recipe

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small French bread or ciabatta bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 1 seedless cucumber, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mixed pitted olives (suggest Kalamata, green, black, stuffed green)

Dressing

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons Champagne or white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Whisk ingredients for the dressing together in a small bowl. Can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.
  2. To begin the salad. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet. Add the bread cubes and salt and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 8 – 10 minutes or until nicely browned. Add more oil if needed.
  3. Mix the salad ingredients in a large bowl, add the toasted bread cubes and toss with the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes before serving for flavors to blend.