Greek Panzanella

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 10 Servings

High up on the list of dishes that impress in both presentation and flavor yet require very little effort is panzanella. This bread salad — fashioned from day-old bread, along with a slew of ingredients including tomatoes, herbs, and dressing — is a summer meal that can be stretched to feed many.

Ingredients

1 (12- to 16-ounce) loaf artisan bread
1/2 medium red onion 3 pounds heirloom tomatoes (2 to 3 large) 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh oregano leaves 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Slice or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes. (You will need 8 to 10 very full cups.) Spread the bread cubes over a baking sheet. Leave uncovered overnight to stale and harden. (Alternatively, bake in a 300°F oven until hardened on the outside but still slightly soft in the middle, stirring once or twice during baking, 15 to 20 minutes.)
Thinly slice the onion and soak in a bowl of cold water for 10 to 15 minutes while assembling the rest of the salad.
Cut the tomatoes into large bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Coarsely chop the olives and add to the bowl; set aside.
Make the vinaigrette: Combine the oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a jam jar. Cover and shake vigorously to combine. (Alternatively, combine the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.)
Drain the onions and add to the bowl of tomatoes. Add the bread, pour the vinaigrette over top, and toss to thoroughly combine.
Let the salad sit at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours before serving. Stir occasionally so the juices and vinaigrette are evenly distributed. Just before serving, stir in the feta. This salad is best eaten the day it's made.