Summer Panzanella Salad

A fresh salad with the buttery croutons for the extra crunch!

Ingredients

1 small (7-ounce) loaf of ciabatta or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 tablespoons butter, melted

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 English cucumber, thinly sliced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

half a small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

1/3 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

1 batch Easy Italian vinaigrette (see below)

Italian Vinaigrette Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, pressed or finely minced

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

Spread the bread out on a large baking sheet

Meanwhile, as the bread is baking, prep your other ingredients and the vinaigrette.

Once the bread is ready to go, transfer it to a large serving bowl, along with the chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan and basil.  Drizzle evenly with the Italian vinaigrette, and toss to combine.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.  Or, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld together more, stirring only once.

To make the vinaigrette dressing: whisk all ingredients together until combined.

Recipe by: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/summer-panzanella/#tasty-recipes-62077