Panzanella Salad

I have made Panzanella Salad on the blog before…https://funfoodiefamily.com/2013/07/14/panzanella-and-pasta-ricotta

This time, I followed the same recipe with the bread, basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella. I added garlic (last time I was out), black and green olives for an extra salty bite, and balsamic vinegar. One of my favorites of all time. So yummy!
Instead of olives, you could also use capers.

You can use this as an appetizer, salad, or make a big plate for a vegetarian meal. Or you could add chunks of roasted chicken and it will still be super healthy! Add a nice glass of wine to round out your meal! Mange!
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Panzanella and Pasta Ricotta

Summer tomatoes are amazing, but if you have some in a garden, you may need a few ideas on how to tame your over populated supply. How about Panzanella? Using some leftover bread, I combined some chopped fresh tomato with mozzarella and fresh garden basil. First, toast your bread.
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Then, add the rest of the ingredients.
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My husband had 2 helpings. It is basically the salad form of bruschetta.

Ricotta; a house divided…My husband HATES ricotta. I LOVE IT. Love always beats out hate in the kitchen. I made Ricotta pasta. He ate some leftover lasagna I had in the freezer.

Ricotta pasta is just Rigatoni with ricotta and my leftover meaty marinara sauce from the other night. You could totally make this into a baked ziti. You could add shredded mozzarella to the top and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese gets all melty. 008012