Panzanella Italian Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 1 large round loaf peasant bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, about 4 cups
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, smashed to a paste
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 5 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 yellow, orange or red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium bulb fennel, trimmed and chopped with feathery greens (fronds) reserved
• 1/2 cup Nicoise olives, pitted and halved
• 12 basil leaves, shredded

Directions

Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet and leave out, uncovered, to dry for 24 hours. Alternatively, bake the cubes in a 300 degree F. oven for 10 to 20 minutes until dried out but not toasted.

In a large bowl whisk together the shallots, garlic, lemon rind and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil in a stream, whisking constantly until well combined. Add the tomatoes, bell peppers, fennel and olives, tossing to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Thirty minutes before serving the salad add the reserved fennel greens, basil and bread cubes, tossing to coat, and let the salad stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.