Panzanella Salad

"In my opinon, your ingredient choices will make or break this salad from 5 star plus to a 2 or 3 star. I have had this about 6 or 7 times (various recipes). By FAR the best is using stale hard rolls o..." See morer very-chewy Italian bread. If you don't, the bread just becomes mushy instead of that wonderful, chewy, garlic-bread bites that is so special in this recipe. Alot of the flavor is from your choice garlic and oil, too. I use a high quality EVOO and FRESH only: minced garlic, mozzarella and basil leaves. If you don't use the fresh, it alters the flavor significantly. I think cherry or grape tomato's texture is better suited for this. Capers are a nice added flavor and, as I discovered tonight, so is roasted asparagas. With all that being said...made with our preferences, this goes in the favorite file."

"Fabulous salad!!! This is bruschetta in a bowl. I used more tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a lot more fresh basil. Due to the small amount of dressing the bread does not get soggy. The leftovers the n..." See moreext day were still good. Tons of great flavor in this dish!"

"OMG this is super good! I used white balsamic vinegar, no onions, because they are too overpowering, and no olives, personal choice. The flavors mix wonderfully and it's the perfect summer salad. It w..." See moreas so hot here today that I toasted the bread on the bbq in a pan of course, using the indirect method, they came out perfect and had that smokey flavor. I used smart balance instead of olive oil on the bread too. I will make this again and again! Thanks for a great recipe!"