Whole Grain Panzanella

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Panzanella is an Italian salad that's usually made with white bread and served as a side dish; however, in this easy recipe, whole wheat bread, bacon, and potatoes transform the classic into a robust and healthy dinner.

Whole Grain Panzanella
Photo: Andy Lyons
Prep Time:
25 mins
Bake Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
8

Ingredients

  • 4 cup whole wheat baguette cubes (1/2-inch cubes)

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 1 pound round red potatoes, scrubbed and chopped (about 3 cups)

  • cup chopped onion (1 small)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard

  • 2 cup chopped romaine lettuce

  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (2 medium)

  • 4 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled*

  • 1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl combine bread cubes and 2 tablespoons of the oil; toss well to coat. Spread in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

  2. In the same large bowl combine potatoes, onion, another 2 tablespoons oil, and the salt and pepper; toss well to coat. Line a second 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper. Spread potato mixture in the prepared baking pan. Place both pans in the oven. Bake bread cubes for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Bake potato mixture for 30 minutes or until golden brown and tender. Stir mixture in each pan once halfway through baking time.

  3. For dressing, in a small screw-top jar combine the remaining 1/4 cup oil, the vinegar, and mustard. Cover and shake well to combine.

  4. In a large bowl combine bread cubes, potato mixture, romaine, tomatoes, bacon, and, if desired, parsley. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat.

*Tip:

To crisp-cook bacon, place slices in an unheated large skillet. Place over medium heat. Cook about 5 minutes or until crisp, turning once or twice. Drain on paper towels. Crumble bacon.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

255 Calories
16g Fat
24g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 255
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 411mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 10.1mg 51%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 0.8mg 4%
Potassium 397mg 8%
Folate, total 32.2mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.2mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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