Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)

While this is quick to put together, it does require about 1-1/2 hours to marinate (which is not included in the prep time). It goes great with soup (like Pasta e Fagioli).

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 6  slices  Italian bread (1-inch thick)
• 1  cucumber, pared, thinly sliced
• 2  bell peppers, combination yellow and red, seeded, cut into thin slices
• 1⁄8 cup  snipped fresh chives
• 1  medium red onion, thinly slivered (about 1 cup)
• 12  oil-cured black olives
• 1⁄4-1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 2  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 2  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3  ripe large plum tomatoes, cut into large dice
• 3  tablespoons capers, drained
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh basil
•  olive oil, and
•  red wine vinegar (for serving)

Directions

1. Heat broiler. Arrange bread on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Toast 4-6 inches from heat, turning once, until light golden. Tear into large pieces and drop into mixing bowl. Place half the bread in large salad bowl. Scatter half the cucumbers, peppers, and chives, then half the onions and olives over bread.
2. Combine 1/4 cup oil, both vinegars, tomaotes, capers, garlic, salt, and pepper and spoon half over salad. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Stir once or twice but do not combine thoroughly. If bread seems dry, add oil. Refrigerate covered 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
3. About 20 minutes before serving, let panzanella warm to room temperature. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish salad with basil and serve with cruets of oil and vinegar.