ITALIAN BREAD SALAD WITH OLIVES

Italian Bread Salad with Olives image

This quick and flavorful bread salad always gets rave reviews from my friends and family. This panzanella-style dish is a timesaver during the holidays, as it can be made ahead. Just keep the bread cubes separate and add them right before serving. -Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 loaf (14 ounces) ciabatta bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
3/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup sliced olives
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix oil, garlic and pepper; drizzle 3 tablespoons over bread and toss to coat. Reserve remaining oil mixture. Spread in a single layer on two 15x10x1-in. baking pans., Bake until crisp and light brown, 12-18 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, whisk vinegar and salt into reserved oil mixture. Add tomatoes, olives and herbs; toss to coat., Cool bread cubes slightly. Add to tomato mixture; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Fat 21g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 345mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.