Italian Bread Salad "Panzanella"

Growing up in an Italian family we always had a good hearty bread with our meals.
Unfortunately for the birds, our family also had a delicious way to recycle some of the stale bread beyond the usual bread crumbs or stuffing mix. They would take the stale bread and mix it with fresh vegetables, herbs, olives, garlic and olive oil to make a salad. This wonderful salad that I just described is called Panzanella. It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh vegetables and herbs of the season.

Panzanella

Tomatoes, any kind will do (amount is up to you)

3 or 4 cups of stale bread, use a good crusty bread (bite size chunks)

1/2 bunch fresh basil

1/2 bunch parsley

1 large clove of fresh garlic, minced

1 small Red onion (sliced or chopped)

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 cup extra virgin oil

1 Tablespoon of red wine vinegar

Olives (optional)
Arugula (optional)
Cucumbers (optional)

Break bread or cut into nice size chunks. Chop basil and parsley. Mince garlic. Cut red onion; mix all ingredients together, except bread. Add bread just before serving. Serve at room temperature.