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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)

Do you have an abundance of tomatoes coming in from the garden?  Here's a great way to use a few of them up.

If you love Italian Bread Soup like I do, this recipe is for you.

This substantial salad fills in beautifully as side dish or a main course.


Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)
((Printable Version))

For the croutons:
1 pound (about 8 cups) sour dough or crust country bread, torn into chunks
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the salad:
2 1/2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
about 2 cups cannellini or white beans, cooked
1 can artichokes packed in water, drained and chopped
1 roasted red pepper, chopped
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/3 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup greek olives
3 tablespoons capers
parmesan cheese for topping, optional

Dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced


Toss the bread chunks with the 2 tablespoons of oil.  Place them on a sheet pan and bake at 450 degrees F. for about 10- 15 minutes.  Turn off the oven and allow them to dry out and crisp up.  After about 20 minutes, remove from the oven and cool.  (This can be done a day ahead.)

When ready to serve toss everything together in a large bowl.  Let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the croutons to soften up and begin absorbing the dressing.


Fresh.


 Easy.


Delicious.


(Source: Taste of Home)
Linked to: Confessions of a Stay At Home Mom,  33 Shades of Green, This Chick Cooks, Fave Diets



9 comments:

  1. I'm all over this salad! Love it! Beautiful photography.

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  2. O, man...this DOES look fabulous. You did an awesome job on the photos.

    I am having a tasty giveaway that would go great with any salads and other things you might make.
    Come on over...you just might win.:))

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  3. i friggin love panzanella salad. it's my favorite. I also like to put a fresh piece of halibut on top for a little luxury. This is gorgeous.

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  4. YUM! I love bread salads! Cast Party Wednesday starts tonight at 12:00 midnight. I would love it if you came over tomorrow and shared some recipes with us.
    Thanks,
    I hope to see you there!
    http://ladybehindthecurtain.com

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  5. Wow, this looks absolutely amazing!! LOVE! Bookmarking!

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  6. My mouth is watering on this salad. Looks and sounds so fresh. I'm going to end up with a book of favorites if I keep reading on your site!

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  7. Lol! Thank you again for all your kind comments, Judith. Yes, this salad is definitely one of my personal "favorites"! :)

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