Panzanella Salad

This quick and easy salad is a great go-to for us during the spring and summer. It is so good, and you can use your leftover homemade bread or store-bought loaves. Toss everything in a bowl and let it stand for a few minutes and you have the perfect salad that is not only delicious but very filling. With a salad like this, you can add anything to it and it turns out pretty dang good if I do say so myself. lol.

Let me share with you how I make this tasty dish.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 C. Fresh mozzarella – cubed
2 Red bell peppers – seeded and cubed
2 Yellow bell peppers – seeded and cubed
1 Large cucumber – seeded, peeled, and cubed
1/2 Onion – diced small
2 Tomatoes – cubed
3 Tbsp capers – optional- drained
2 Tbsp Basil ( or 2 tsp dried)
2 to 3 Cups Storbought or homemade bread – cubed in 1 1/2 inch cubes
1 Clove garlic – minced
1/2 Tsp dijon mustard
3 Tbsp white or red wine vinegar (can use distilled vinegar if that is all you have)
1/2 C. Olive oil
Salt and pepper – to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350* and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Cube the bread into 1 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them on the sheet tray. Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well. Spread out evenly on the tray and bake for 5 to 8 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove and let cool.
2. In a large bowl combine the bell peppers, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, capers, basil, and bread cubes. Toss to combine.
3. In a small mixing bowl whisk together the garlic, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss to coat well.
4. Serve straight away or cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Toss well before serving.
   

• This is travel friendly so you can pack it up and take it for a light lunch or a picnic.
• Add any style of protein that you like such as grilled chicken, steak, or chickpeas for more of a complete meal.
• You can serve this for lunch or dinner. It is very filling so you can do either or. Adding protein will make it more of a dinner and less of a lunch-style meal, but you can do whichever you like.
• If you do not like the above style of vegetables, substitute your favorites instead.