Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Heirloom Tomato Panzanella Salad

A few years ago I bought my mom Sheryl Crow's cookbook "if it makes you healthy."  My mom has always loved Sheryl Crow {we have seen her in concert together before} and is passionate about healthy eating, so I thought it would be a perfect gift.  When Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 she, along with her personal chef Chuck White, completely revamped her diet to focus on local, seasonal, healthy foods -- and her cookbook reflects just that.  We have probably made at least 20 recipes from her book and every single one has been absolutely delicious.  

Earlier this week I was home for my dad's wedding {CONGRATULATIONS DAD!!} and spent a few days with my mom before heading back to Indianapolis.  I absolutely love trying new recipes when I am at home because my mom's kitchen is absolutely gorgeous and a dream to cook in.  On Monday night I made a Heirloom Tomato Panzanella Salad from "if it makes you healthy," and I have to say it turned about absolutely fabulous!  The vibrant heirloom tomatoes paired perfectly with the hearty bread and savory cheese and looked just beautiful :)

Ingredients 
1 loaf day-old Italian or Sourdough Baguette, 20 to 24 inches long, torn into rough, bite-sized pieces 
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 to 6 ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom, cored and diced (about 4 cups)
1 medium cucumber, seeded and cut into half-moon slices
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
2 cups packed fresh arugula
3/4 cup sliced fresh basil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped, pitted Kalamata olives {I omitted, as I don't like olives}
2 tablespoons drained capers {I omitted because we didn't have any in our fridge}

Preparation
Preheat the other to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Spread the bread on a baking sheet and lightly toast for 7-8 minutes.  Stir and turn the bread once or twice during baking to brown.  Set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic powder.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, arugula, basil, bell pepper, onion, olives, and capers.  Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat ingredients evenly.

Cover and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.  Toss again then refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving.  Toss again before serving.  Enjoy! 

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for the recipe! That looks easy to make and delicious! Cheers! http://www.carlytati.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it was super easy and yummy...the best combination in my book :) thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. Mmmm! This salad looks so yummy! I need to make this for lunch today. xx. McKenna Lou
    www.lynnandlou.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ooo you will have to let me know if you made it and how it turned out :)

      Delete
  3. This salad looks amazing! I have been trying to eat healthier and love seeing fun and easy recipes that I can actually cook, since I am no prom in the kitchen!
    I hope you're having a wonderful day!
    xo Hannah

    thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com
    thebraidedbandit.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. this was sooo easy and practically no cooking necessary! just chopping and eating :)

      Delete
  4. That looks DELICIOUS!!! Perfect spring salad! Can't wait to try it.

    -ileana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you will have to let me know how you like it! thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  5. This sounds amazing. I love salad and could really use one right about now!

    Ali of

    Dressing Ken

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i love salads too, especially in the spring and sunmer when there is so much fresh produce :)

      Delete
  6. This looks very good and healthy. Can't wait to try it.

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was delicious! Let me know how you like it Anngelik :)

      Delete
  7. pinned! this looks amazing!

    xoxo from nyc & http://www.the-beautiful-things.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mmm this looks delicious and healthy!

    ReplyDelete