Italian Blt Bread Salad Recipes

BLT BREAD SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Soak the onion in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the salad.
• Working in batches, cook the pancetta in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain; reserve the drippings.
• Combine 1 tablespoon each olive oil and pancetta drippings in a small bowl. Toss with the bread cubes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper; spread in an even layer. Bake, stirring once, until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes.
• Drain the onion and chop all but 6 slices pancetta. Add to a large bowl with the tomatoes, arugula, basil, olives, bread, vinegar and the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Toss and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the salad among bowls. Top each with some ricotta salata and a piece of reserved pancetta.

ITALIAN BREAD SALAD WITH OLIVES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix oil, garlic and pepper; drizzle 3 tablespoons over bread and toss to coat. Reserve remaining oil mixture. Spread in a single layer on two 15x10x1-in. baking pans., Bake until crisp and light brown, 12-18 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, whisk vinegar and salt into reserved oil mixture. Add tomatoes, olives and herbs; toss to coat., Cool bread cubes slightly. Add to tomato mixture; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese; serve immediately.

BREAD SALAD

Steps:

• Combine bread, tomatoes and basil in large bowl.
• In food processor with metal blade, chop garlic and salt. Add rosemary, hot pepper flakes and vinegar.
• Add olive oil in a stream to emulsify.
• Toss bread mixture and dressing.
• Allow to stand for at least 20 minutes so the bread can absorb the dressing.