Monday, June 22, 2009

Panzanella Salad

This was also part of my Father's Day Menu :-) Came out amazing. The dressing is nice and light and has a great taste to it!!! Everyone enjoyed this (and I even have leftovers for today)!! Enjoy!!!


Recipe Courtesy of Barefoot Contessa


Ingredients
 3 tablespoons good olive oil
 1 small French bread or boule, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups) ( I used the Rosemary and Olive Oil Loaf from Costco - so good!)
 1 teaspoon kosher salt
 2 large, ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick ( I used a normal cucumber)
 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
 1/2 red onion, cut in 1/2 and thinly sliced
 20 large basil leaves, coarsely chopped
 3 tablespoons capers, drained ( I omitted)




For the vinaigrette:
 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
 1/2 cup good olive oil
 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper




Directions
Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Add the bread and salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes,
or until nicely browned. Add more oil as needed.
For the vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together.
In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, and capers. Add the bread cubes
and toss with the vinaigrette. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Serve, or allow the salad to sit for about half an hour for
the flavors to blend.




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