The heat today in New York is unreal. At one point during the day it reached 99 degrees!!!! I guess summer is in full swing. I really want to focus on making more salads this summer. Last year we all took turns making different ones and it was so great. I hope to keep that going for sure!!!! This Panzanella salad looks incredible. I am going to try it over the weekend!!! Bon Appetit!!!!
image delish.com
adapted from Delish.com
- 12 oz. thick-cut bacon, cut into 1″ pieces
- 2 c. ciabatta bread, torn into small pieces
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 5 oz. arugula
- 1 lb. very ripe tomatoes, mixed varieties, and sizes cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 c. torn basil leaves
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add bacon in an even layer. Fry until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon using a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Remove half the bacon fat and reserve.
- Make croutons: Return pan to medium heat and toss bread in bacon fat; season with salt and pepper. Toast until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer croutons to a bowl and set aside.
- Add remaining bacon fat to sauté pan and toss with garlic over medium heat. Sauté until garlic is softened and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir together with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add arugula, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and croutons; toss together with dressing. Top with bacon and basil and serve immediately.