Panzanella by Ina Garten

Panzanella
by Ina Garten
from Barefoot Contessa Parties!
Ideas and Recipes for Parties That Are Really Fun
(Clarkson Potter, 2001)
Serves 12

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This salad was invented by Italians to use up leftover bread, but I make it because I love the warm croutons soaking up the vinaigrette.


convert		Ingredients
3 tablespoons		good olive oil
1 small		French bread or boule, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
1 teaspoon		kosher salt
2 large		ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1		hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/2 inch thick
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 half and thinly sliced
20 large		basil leaves, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons		capers, chained

		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

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Method

1. Heat the oil in a large sauté 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.

2. For the vinaigrette, whisk together the ingredients.

3. 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.

4. Serve immediately, or allow the salad to sit for about half an hour for the flavors to blend.

Reviews

On 07.26.04 Leslie Schmid wrote:
Once I made this recipe, I have not stopped. I am so glad when new guests come over for dinner in the summer so I can serve it! It is colorful, crunchy, extremely appetizing and delicious. The vinaigrette is something to keep on hand for other uses! Wonderful!

On 8.18.06 L.A. wrote:
Wow. Every time I go to a party or a get-together, I am asked to bring this salad. It is a hit!

On 1.2.07 J. wrote:
Yum! I had this at a party recently. Can't wait to make it for my family and friends.

On 12.30.06 R.R. wrote:
I make this now for any work function or party I am invited to. When I put the homemade croutons on and add the dressing, and people realize the croutons are homemade, they think I spend all this time on the preparation...not! This always gets rave reviews from my friends.