Contestant Martita Jara's dish, Summer Citrus and Avocado Panzanella, for the Star Challenge: Cook Live, as seen on Food Network Star, Comeback Kitchen.
Recipe courtesy of Martita Jara

Summer Citrus and Avocado Panzanella Salad

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 1 hr
  • Active: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Bread Cubes:

Dressing:

Salad:

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. For the bread cubes: Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss with your hands until well coated. Spread out the bread in an even layer and bake until golden and toasty, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. (Leave the oven on.)
  3. For the dressing: Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small mixing bowl until well combined. Set aside.
  4. For the salad: Line a baking sheet with foil. Add the red onions, red peppers and jalapenos and spread out in an even layer. Drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bake for 18 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  5. Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic and avocados in a large mixing bowl. Then add the toasted bread cubes and roasted peppers and onions, along with the basil, cilantro and parsley. Toss to combine. Pour half of the dressing over the salad and season with 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Toss and add more dressing and salt according to taste. Serve and enjoy!