Calabrian Pesto Panzanella Salad

Calabrian Basil Pesto Panzanella - chock full of fresh tomatoes, basil, crusty bread, creamy mozzarella fresca and dressed in a flavour filled pesto vinaigrette - the perfect tribute to summer!

Ingredients:

4 cups crusty French bread, torn into 1” pieces
3 cups ripe tomatoes cut into 1” dice
8 oz. mozzarella fresca cut or torn into 1” pieces 
1/3 cup Di Oliva Spicy Calabrian Pesto Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons Di Oliva Oregano White Balsamic or Di Oliva Traditional Balsamic 
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions:

In a bowl large enough to hold the tomatoes and cheese, combine the vinegar with salt and whisk to combine. Add the Pesto Olive Oil and whisk to make a simple vinaigrette. Add the tomatoes and cheese, turning to coat thoroughly with the vinaigrette. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

To plate, in a large bowl, add the torn bread to the tomatoes and cheese along with all the accumulated liquid from the marinade. Add torn basil and adjust seasoning with fresh ground pepper to taste and additional salt if necessary. Gently toss until the bread is just moistened. Serve at room temperature.
Serves 6