Barefoot Contessa's Panzanella Salad

Submitted by abloom69

"From her book "Parties""

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large firm ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 English 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 1/2 and thinly sliced
• 20 large basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained

• Vinaigrette

• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

directions

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

Reviews

[Chef Regina V. Smith]

This is a great party salad. I served this as part of a summer "Spaghetti BBQ" party for 13 people. It is certainly a party friendly recipe as components of the salad can be prepared in advance and then just tossed together 30 minutes before serving. I will make this again. My tip would be to used the best quality olive oil that you can find. Thanks for posting.

 

[Marlieskitchen]

Love this salad. I also add small mozzarella balls. When I don't have hot house tomatoes I use grape tomatoes sliced in half. Green and/or calamatta olives are also good mixed in. If bread is too soft I dry it out first in the oven for 10 minutes at 375 before saut?ing . Forgoing the onions doesn't seem to hinder the taste and tends to lessens the burp factor.

 

[bebeboy03]

This was a really great addition to our rib dinner tonight. I used balsamic vinegar in the dressing and left out the bell peppers because we didn't have any. Everyone really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recipe!

 

[Debra B.]

Love this classic salad. I did tweak it a bit.

 

[LeeCarr]

If I could give this more stars, I would. It is so easy - and perfect just as written. I wondered how the bread would taste the next day but awwww- it was even better. Sort of like a quick pickle. I did add a little Parmesan Cheese (because I like it so much) but it didn't need it. A great thing to do with leftover bread. This would be great with a small steak ... or pork chop... or stone crab claws... anything, really.