Panzanella Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Serving size: 6-8

Difficulty: Easy

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Salads are the perfect summer meal. This Panzanella Salad combines juicy tomatoes (hello summer!) and delicious homemade sourdough croutons!

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds (1.1kg) mixed ripe tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces

2 teaspoons (8g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more for seasoning (use half as much if using table salt)

3/4 pound (340g) ciabatta or rustic sourdough bread, cut into 1 1/2–inch cubes (about

6 cups bread cubes)

10 tablespoons (150ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cucumber, sliced in half lengthwise and quartered

1/2 cup (1/2 ounce) packed basil leaves, roughly chopped

Place chopped tomatoes in a colander set over a bowl and season with 2 teaspoons (8g) kosher salt. Toss to coat. Set aside at room temperature to drain, tossing occasionally. Drain for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and adjust rack to center position.
In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake about 15 minutes, until crisp and firm but not browned. Remove from oven and let cool.
Remove colander with tomatoes from bowl with tomato juice. Place colander with tomatoes in sink.
Add shallot, garlic, mustard, and vinegar to bowl with tomato juice. Whisking constantly, drizzle in remaining 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine toasted bread, tomatoes, and dressing in a large bowl. Add cucumber and basil leaves. Toss everything to coat and season with salt and pepper.
Let rest 30 minutes before serving, tossing occasionally until the dressing is absorbed by the bread.