Basil Tuna Panzanella Recipes

PANZANELLA

Steps:

• For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
• Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange on a baking sheet. Drizzle the cubes with the olive oil and toss to coat. Put the pan in the oven to slightly crisp ("stale") the bread without toasting it, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
• For the dressing: In a small jar, shake together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
• For the salad: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and bread cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, tossing gently. Add the sliced basil and Parmesan shavings and toss again. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper and serve garnished with whole basil leaves.

PANZANELLA WITH MOZZARELLA AND HERBS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil and a pinch of salt. Bake until they are dried out and pale golden brown at the edges, about 7 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
• Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano or thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, the mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in cucumbers, basil and parsley.
• Add bread cubes, cucumber mixture and capers to the tomatoes and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.

PANZANELLA PASTA

Steps:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add bread cubes; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until toasted. Remove from heat., In a large bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and remaining oil until blended. Add tomatoes, peppers, olives and basil; toss lightly., Drain spaghetti and add to tomato mixture. Add toasted bread cubes and cheese; toss to combine. Serve immediately.

GARDEN BOUNTY PANZANELLA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add half of the bread cubes; cook and stir until toasted, about 8 minutes. Remove from pan. Repeat with remaining oil and bread cubes., Combine bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, basil, cheese, salt and pepper. Toss with dressing.

TUNA PANZANELLA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On 15 1/2" by 10 1/2" jelly roll pan, or a large cookie sheet, spread bread cubes in one layer. Place in oven; toast 11-13 minutes or until golden, stirring cubes once halfway through baking. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, with fork, mix olive oil, wine vinegar, chopped capers, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until blended. Add chopped tomatoes, white beans, flaked tuna, torn basil, and bread cubes to bowl; toss well to coat all ingredients with dressing.
• Serve.