Panzanella, King of the Salads!

A week or so ago, Living Social had a deal in which you spent $10 and received a $20 coupon to Whole Foods!  I just couldn’t resist.  Last night after work, I walked the mile to Whole Foods with a shopping list in hand.

For whatever reason, I had been craving panzanella salad all week, so I decided to go with a recipe from Ina Garten, a sure winner! I also wanted to add salmon so here’s my take on Ina’s recipe.

Baked Salmon Panzanella Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 load of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 large, ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cucumber sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 red onion, cut in 1/2 and thinly sliced
• 20 large basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 pound salmon
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

For the vinaigrette:

• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
• 1/2 cup good olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degree Fahrenheit. Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Add the bread and salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Place raw salmon on a foil lined pan.  Season with salt, pepper, and the juice from one lemon.  Place salmon in 450 degree oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

While the salmon bakes, make the vinaigrette for the salad.  For the vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together.

In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, and capers.

Add the bread cubes and toss with the vinaigrette. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Serve, or allow the salad to sit for about half an hour for the flavors to blend.

Remove salmon from oven after 12-15 minutes and allow to cool before platting.

Serve 1 – 1 1/2 cups of panzanella

and top with piece of baked salmon

Dinner is served!!

So I know I shouldn’t say this, but I really can’t believe it’s already Friday.  This week was an interesting one, to say the least, and I’m really looking forward to a few days off.

This weekend should be incredibly relaxing, or at least I intend it to be!!  The weather is suppose to be AMAZING (highs in mid 50’s, lows in 40’s– though there is a slight chance of rain but oh well).  I plan to crack open the windows, throw on a hoodie, and enjoy two days off!  Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Friday Night— Dinner with Liz, Julie, and Neal
• Saturday— Art on the Avenue (This is my favorite art festival in DC!  I wait all year for this)
• Sunday— 5 mile run with Neal, Redskins vs. Rams, graduate work

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!! Don’t forget to take the Locus of Control quiz!  It’s really interesting.