Panzanella (Tuscan-Style Bread Salad)

Salad ingredients

• 1 pound (lb) of country-style bread
• 3 pounds (lbs) of diced plum tomatoes
• 8 ounces (oz) of diced cucumbers
• 4 ounces (oz) of diced celery
• 4 ounces (oz) of sliced red onions
• 1 ½ ounces (oz) of basil cut fine

Dressing ingredients

• 1 ounce (oz) of red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 fluid ounces (oz) of olive oil

Directions

1. Cut the bread into cubes and let it dry out. It should take about 8 to 12 hours.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bread with the tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, onions, and basil.
3. In another bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.
4. Whisk in the olive oil.
5. Cover the dressing and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
6. Toss the dressing with the salad.
7. Serve on a platter or in a large bowl.