In the lead up to Earth Day, we are re-sharing one of our go-to recipes for using up leftover and stale bread. You can also go a step further and swap out the greens and beans for whatever you have on hand. This is all about using up leftovers in a simple and satisfying way!
Panzanella (Leftover Bread) Salad
Ingredients
Croutons
- 4 Queen Street Bakery Artisan Buns or any leftover bread
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Grapeseed Oil (or other mild oil)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian Parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
To Assemble
- 2 pounds (1 kg) Green Beans, blanched and cooled
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- 1 can (19 oz/540mL) Cannellini Beans
- 1 cup Small Bocconcini
- 1 Medium Red Onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Pitted Black Olives
- 1/2 cup Basil, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut buns/leftover bread into small bite-sized cubes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toast in oven for 5-6 minutes, tossing once. Remove from oven when golden.
- In a blender, combine all dressing ingredients and set aside.
- On a large platter, arrange beans, tomatoes, beans, bocconcini, onion, olives and basil. Drizzle with dressing and toss lightly.
- Scatter croutons over dressing and serve with extra dressing on the side.
Note: These croutons will extend the shelf-life of leftover bread. Keep them in an airtight container for an extra week!
Servings: 4-6
Recipe Developed by Suzie Durigon, certified culinarian, culinary instructor, food blogger and chief taste tester.