PANZANELLA VERDE

Panzanella Verde image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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1 loaf day-old ciabatta, halved lengthwise
Olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, chopped
Pinch sugar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces baby arugula
1 small English cucumber, quartered and diced
1 cup pitted cerignola or manzanilla olives
1 cup pitted picholine olives
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

For the bread: Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium. Brush the bread with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until lightly golden brown. Remove, and cut into large dice. Set aside.
For the vinaigrette: Combine the basil, vinegar, garlic, sugar and 1/4 cup water in a blender and blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
For the salad: Put the arugula, cucumbers, olives, capers, parsley and basil in a large bowl. Add three-quarters of the vinaigrette and toss to coat the vegetables. Add the bread and toss to coat. Transfer to a large platter and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and EVOO. Serve at room temperature.