Italian Bread Salad with Olives

Name: Italian Bread Salad with Olives
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 9 servings.
Cuisine: Asian Recipes, Asian Salad Recipes, Asian Side Dishes, Asian Vegetarian Recipes, Indian Recipes, Italian Recipes, Italian Salad Recipes, Italian Side Dishes, Italian Vegetarian Recipes
Ingredients: 1 loaf (14 ounces) ciabatta bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups); 3/4 cup olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup sliced olives; 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

This quick and flavorful bread salad always gets rave reviews from my friends and family. This panzanella-style dish is a timesaver during the holidays, as it can be made ahead. — Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida

Ingredients

1 loaf (14 ounces) ciabatta bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
3/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup sliced olives
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix oil, garlic and pepper; drizzle 3 tablespoons over bread and toss to coat. Reserve remaining oil mixture. Spread in a single layer on two 15x10x1-in. baking pans.
Bake 12-18 minutes or until crisp and light brown, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, whisk vinegar and salt into reserved oil mixture. Add tomatoes, olives and herbs; toss to coat.
Cool bread cubes slightly. Add to tomato mixture; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese; serve immediately.