Panzanella

Ingredients:

275g or 10 slices Italian-style bread, thickly sliced

1 cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks

5 tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 large red onion, chopped

200g olives

20 basil leaves, torn

Dressing:

60ml virgin olive oil

15ml red or white wine vinegar

salt and freshly gound black pepper

Method:

1. Soak the bread in water for about 2 mins, lift out and squeeze gently, with your hands and then in a dish towel to remove excess water. Chill it for an hour.
2. Make the dressing. Put oil, vinegar and seasoning in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine. Place the cucumber, tomatoes, onion and olives in a bowl.
3. Break the bread into chunks and add to the bowl with basil. Por dressing over the salad and toss before serving.