Rustic tuna panzanella

4
Points®
Total Time
19 min
Prep
14 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Easy
Make this filling salad the centerpiece of your next summer cook-out. Panzanella is a great way to use any day-old bread in the house. This Italian salad is full of fresh vegetables and, once dressed and tossed, the bread absorbs the flavors of the myriad of liquids, creating perfect flavor in every bite. The tuna adds great flavor and does well in a cold salad setting. Ready in just 19 minutes, the panzanella will be at its best if allowed to stand for about an hour before being served, giving the flavors a chance to meld.

Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp

Red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp

Garlic

1 large clove(s), minced

Table salt

½ tsp

Black pepper

¼ tsp

Whole wheat bread

8 oz, (1 piece) day-old country-style, thickly sliced, toasted, and cut into 1-inch cubes

Tomato

1½ pound(s), coarsely chopped

English cucumber

½ medium, quartered lengthwise and sliced

Bell pepper

1 item(s), medium, yellow variety, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

Red onion

½ medium, thinly sliced

Fresh basil

10 leaf/leaves, fresh, torn

Capers

2 Tbsp, nonpareil (tiny)

Chunk light tuna in water

10 oz, 2 (5-ounce cans)

Instructions

  1. To make dressing, whisk together oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper in large salad bowl.
  2. Add bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, basil, and capers to dressing; toss until mixed well. Coarsely flake tuna into salad; gently toss just until combined.
  3. Per serving: about 2 cups