Artichoke and Tomato Panzanella

I *love* panzanella. When I saw this recipe I just knew it would get devoured in my house. Panzanella is a "bread salad". You will also typically see basil and tomatoes making an appearance in it. You can really add whatever you like to it! I can think of tons of varitations for this recipe, but this is the first time I had made a panzanella at home. I have eaten it at restaurants a few times and really enjoyed it.

Artichoke and Tomato Panzanella

• 3 cups cubed bread (I used rosemary and sea salt bread but you can use any hearty thick loaf of bread)
• 1 14oz can artichokes, drained
• 1/3 cup olive oil + additional for drizzling on the bread/artichokes
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 large tomatoes cut into wedges
• 1 cup pitted black olives cut in half
• 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Cut the bread into cubes and set them on a baking sheet.

Drain the artichokes and add them to the baking sheet with the bread. Drizzle the bread and artichokes with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Preheat a grill pan. Place the bread and artichokes in a single layer on a grill pan. I have an indoor grill, but you can use any kind you like. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side and then check to see if the bread is toasted. As soon as it has a light golden color, turn all the bread and artichokes and cook on the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Remove from the grill and place in a large bowl.

Cut the tomatoes into wedges, cut the olives in half and chop the basil. Add to the bowl with the bread and artichokes.

Mix 1/3 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar and the salt and pepper. Drizzle the oil over the top of the salad. Gently toss them together with a few spoons and serve immediately.


**This is not the kind of thing you can make ahead. If you toss everything together too far ahead of time it will get very soggy and will not work well. This tastes INCREDIBLE but it needs to be combined right before serving.


Adapted from: Giada De Laurentiis