PANZANELLA SALAD WITH MOZZARELLA FRESCA

Salad

• 1 sweet or sour baguette  (torn in to pieces)
• 2 pounds sweet, perfectly juicy heirloom tomatoes, diced 1″
• 1/2 cup pitted olives, your choice on variety
• 1/2 cup torn basil leaves
• 1/4 cup torn flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 8 oz. mozzarella Fresca (you guessed it… torn)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino
•  2 tablespoons freshest UP Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the planetDressing

• 1/3 cup freshest UP Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the planet
• 3 tablespoons Oregano White Balsamic
• 1 teaspoon flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves super finely minced
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

Preheat the grill or your broiler.  Toss the torn bread with UP EVOO, and either grill it until nicely browned on the edges and crisp, or place it on a sheet pan and broil until well toasted.

Arrange the bread on a nice platter or in a large bowl.

Make the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together well in a large bowl.  Add the cut tomatoes and gently toss with the dressing.  Spoon the tomatoes and their juice mixed with the dressing lovingly over the top of the toasted bread.

Scatter the mozzarella, olives, parsley, and basil leaves over the top of the tomatoes.  Just before serving top with grated Pecorino and fresh ground pepper to taste.  Serve immediately while the bread still has a bit of crunch.

Serves 6-8