Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil or 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 garlic clove , minced
4 slices rye bread
4 slices Italian bread
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
4 medium plum tomatoes , seeded and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion , separated into rings
1/2 cup thin red bell peppers or 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper , cut into strips
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Tomato and Broccoli Panzanella is a classic Italian salad made with fresh tomatoes, broccoli, and crusty bread. This dish is perfect for summer, as it makes use of seasonal ingredients and is light and refreshing. The key to a great Panzanella is the quality of the bread, which should be a hearty, rustic variety that can stand up to the other ingredients. This recipe takes things up a notch by adding red onion, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese to the mix, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Transfer 1/4 cup dressing to large bowl; reserve remaining dressing.
2.Cut bread into 1-inch cubes; toss in bowl with dressing. Transfer bread to baking dish. Bake until bread is golden and crisp, about 12 minutes. Cool completely.
3.Meanwhile, steam broccoli until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.
4.Add tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers to large bowl with reserved dressing; toss to coat. Let marinate 5 minutes.
5.Add broccoli and cheese to bowl with vegetables; toss gently. Just before serving, fold in reserved croutons.

PROS

Tomato and Broccoli Panzanella is a flavorful and healthy salad, packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients.
This dish is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great option for those looking to eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
Additionally, this recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in just a few simple steps.

CONS

This salad is relatively low in protein and may not be filling enough for some individuals.
Additionally, those with gluten intolerance may need to modify the recipe or omit the bread altogether.
Lastly, the red wine vinegar in this dish may be too acidic for some palates.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tomato and Broccoli Panzanella is a highly nutritious dish, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Broccoli is particularly beneficial for digestive health due to its high fiber content, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, the olive oil in this recipe is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

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