Summer Panzanella Salad With Watermelon (With Vegan Option)

This is a refreshing, delicious &
filling summer salad!

Ingredients:

3 (1/2 inch) slices rustic Italian artisan bread (1 3/4 cups cubed)

4 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon dried dill

2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan or sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

5 cups chopped or torn romaine lettuce or baby spinach

2 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 pound)

1 small red onion, quartered and sliced (2 cups)

1 cup yellow and/or orange cherry tomato halves

1/2 cup chopped basil

1/2 cup (2 ounces) cojita or feta cheese ~ optional

1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (peppitas) ~ optional

Method:

Preheat oven to 275* 

Brush both sides of the bread with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes and arrange on a baking sheet. Place in the oven and lightly crisp without toasting for about 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, vinegar, dill, mustard, honey, salt and pepper to a jar with a lid. Shake to combine.

Add the lettuce (or spinach), watermelon, onion, tomatoes and basil to a very large bowl. Pour the mustard viniagrette over the salad and toss to mix. If desired, sprinkle with the cheese and seeds, or serve on the side as a garnish for individuals to add to their own portions of salad. Serve immediately.

Makes 5 side dish servings or 2 to 3 dinner portions.

Notes: 

For the Vegan option, omit the cheese and choose a bread that doesn't include eggs or dairy on the ingredient list.

For added protein, and 1 1/2 cups of chopped cooked chicken breast.

If you are a bacon lover, a half cup of crisp cooked chopped bacon or prosciutto can be added.

Panzanella is a tradional Summer Tuscan Salad made with fresh seasonal vegetables, stale bread and quality olive oil. It is a healthy, nutritious and filling meal. Typically, the idea is for the bread to soak up the dressing. Those who don't like moistened bread may want to add the bread as croutons on top of their salad.