Panzanella Salad

Looks can be deceiving and although this looks tasty, it doesn’t do justice to how tasty it actually is. One of the easiest and best ways to use those end of season tomatoes, it’s healthy as can be and comes together in no time. Use it as a side salad or enjoy it as a stand alone lunch…either way, you’ll be smiling and incredibly satisfied with this simple creation.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 thin baguette
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
1 shallot, thinly sliced
3 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1-2 lbs. fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
1 english cucumber, quartet and sliced into chunks
2 Tbs. capers
1/4 cup basil, julienned
1/4 cup mint, chopped

Start by slicing the shallot and marinating it in the vinegar for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the shallots, with a slotted spoon and set them aside in a large bowl, reserve the vinegar for the dressing.

Next, preheat your grill to medium and slice the bread in half lengthwise. Grill the bread on both sides, until nicely browned, this should only take 3-4 minutes per side. Immediately after removing from the grill, drizzle the warm bread with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season lightly with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. When cool enough to handle, cut them into 1″ chunks.

Add the garlic, capers and olive oil to the reserved vinegar, season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, then whisk to combine well. Alternatively, you can use a small mason jar and just shake it until fully combined.

Meanwhile, place the tomatoes and cucumbers in a bowl. Next, add the bread chunks, shallots, basil and mint, then toss to combine. Add part of the dressing, and again, toss well to combine, taste for seasoning and serve. I usually hold back some of the dressing because I prefer a slightly “less dressed” salad. You can always add more if it’s too dry for your taste.

NOTES
You can get creative with this and still have great results. The amounts can certainly be modified, use what you have. You want more tomatoes, do it! You want to use the whole baguette, do it! Add toasted pine nuts, do it! Add more or different herbs, do it! Those are all good options, don’t worry about the taste, the basics here are good and it will be delicious.