Tuscan Panzanella

This is a simple salad that can be a main dish or a side. Wonderful for summer!

• Ready In: 23 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4  slices  Italian bread
•  olive oil flavored cooking spray
• 1  cup basil leaves (preferably fresh)
• 1⁄2 cup  thinly sliced red onion
• 1⁄4 cup  pitted halved black olives (optional)
• 2  pints cherry tomatoes or 2  pints grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 (16 ounce) can white beans, drained
• 1  tablespoon water
• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1  teaspoon  bottled minced garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Trim the crusts from the bread slices.
3. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Lightly coat the bread cubes with cooking spray and bake until toasted, about 15 minutes.
5. Combine the basil, onion, olives, tomatoes, and beans in a large bowl.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and whisk well.
7. Pour over the tomato-bean mixture and toss lightly. Add the toasted bread cubes and toss again.