Friday's Favorites ~ Panzanella

This week on facebook, we had the great Panzanella debate. Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad. It is made with the leftover bread and the freshest ingredients.
It flung a cravin' on me. So I, of course, went to the source of all things Italian and beautiful . . . Giada :-)
Giada's Panzanella
1 (10-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (about 2 cups)
3 cups whole-wheat bread, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 large, red tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 cup pitted black olives, halved
3/4 cup chopped, fresh basil leaves (about 1 bunch)
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
Directions
Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Drizzle the bread and artichoke hearts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the bread and artichokes until golden brown at the edges, about 6 minutes total, turning every 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the bread and artichokes from the grill and transfer to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, olives and basil to the bowl and toss to combine. In a small bowl stir together the 2/3 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss to combine and serve immediately.
I messed with Giada's recipe a bit (she can call and fuss at me anytime!!!) I didn't grill my bread, and added some cucumbers and parsley. It was awesome!
Now that's a friday's favorite for sure :-)

What is your favorite today?
Y'all join in~
Sandi