Grilled vegetables pump up the classic Tuscan bread-and-tomato salad.
What to drink: An Italian white like Vernaccia di San Gimignano or Orvieto.
Can't find ciabatta? Use any good-quality crusty Italian or French bread.
Salad
1 1/2 pounds assorted bell peppers (about 3 large), cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips
1 1/2 pounds assorted summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices
1 medium-size red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 12- to 14-ounce loaf of ciabatta, some crust trimmed to expose bread,
cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled, cut into thirds
Dressing
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound tomatoes, cored, cut into 3/4-inch dice, juices reserved
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup coarsely chopped assorted fresh herbs (such as chives, dill, chervil, and tarragon)
2 tablespoons drained capers
For salad:
Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Brush both sides of bell peppers, squash, onion,
and bread slices lightly with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill vegetables until tender and brown, about 4 minutes per side for peppers
and squash and 3 minutes per side for onion. Grill bread until browned and crisp,
turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Cool slightly. Rub bread with cut sides of garlic.
Tear bread into 3/4-inch pieces; place in very large bowl.
Cut grilled vegetables into 1-inch pieces; add to bread in bowl.
For dressing:
Whisk first 3 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in 1/3 cup oil.
Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Add dressing, tomatoes with juices, and all remaining ingredients to salad; toss.
Let stand 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Makes 8 servings.