Even though August in the Bay Area means foggy mornings and breezy evenings, the knock of summer still falls heavily on our doors. I spent a good 45 minutes combing through various seasonal blog entries from Smitten Kitchen and The Pioneer Woman, trying to find inspiration that would do justice to this glorious month. And, there it was: Gazpacho Salad.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, and grapes spell refreshing, while the bread satisfies the fat kid within me (probably soon to be on the outside, too). My sister made this for me a few weeks ago and it was declared a fabulous find, so it wasn’t hard for me to rediscover it in my own humble kitchen.

It is essentially Panzanella, which is an Italian dish that helps rid your cupboards of stale bread. Basically, those boot-folk take rock-hard lumps of bread and soak it in water, press out the moisture, and then use it in salad with lettuce, tuna, tomatoes, or whatever is handy. Brilliant, right?

If you’re looking for a filling but still light salad, this is the decision for you. You’re welcome.

Gazpacho Salad

adapted slightly from Smitten Kitchen

4 cups cubed (1 in) bread, preferably a day or two old so it is stale. I used a whole-wheat loaf, which was very nice. Don’t go for a bread that is too soft, or else you will have real trouble cutting it
3 cups chopped tomatoes (I used cherry/heirloom, which were colorful and magical)
1 cucumber, seeded and diced fine
1/4 red onion, diced fine
1 c green or red grapes, halved
1 avocado, cubed
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 t cumin
1 t salt
1/3 c olive oil
3 t red wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 and toast the cubed bread for about 10-15 minutes. Not crispy, but not still soft. Let cool slightly. Throw the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, grapes, and avocado into a large serving bowl. Pound the garlic, salt, and cumin in a mortar and pestle until a paste forms. Whisk in the oil and vinegar. Add the bread to the bowl, pour in the dressing, and toss until everything is coated thoroughly. Let sit for about 10 minutes, or until the bread has absorbed some of the dressing and becomes totes delish.

What’s that? Oh no, the bread came like that. With a bite already taken out. Must have been a keen taste-tester at Whole Foods.

…Ahem…