Panzanella

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chopped tomato (about 3 large)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber (about 1 small)
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) diced part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata olives (about 12)
• 1 (8-ounce) loaf day-old ciabatta bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Preparation

1. 1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl; stir well with a whisk.
2. 2. Combine tomato and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently. Let stand at least 10 minutes or until dressing soaks into bread.
3. Panzanella (pahn-zah-NEHL-lah) is a Tuscan tomato-and-bread salad.