Panzanella (hard bread) Salad..recipe a great way to use up a stale loaf

Here is a great salad and  the secret here is to layer the flavors, also this is ONE salad where red wine vinegar is  better than citrus juice.
I love this salad.... like most dishes "using things up" it is delicious!

Feeds 4-6
1 cup ripe tomatoes chopped

2 cloves garlic smashed and minced
1 cup thinly sliced onion or 1/2 cup minced scallions
1 cup peeled and diced cucumber
1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped bell pepper

1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup chopped black olives (optional)
1/4 cup rinsed capers (optional)
2tsp honey or agave syrup (optional)

Mix all of the above in a medium ceramic or glass bowl and allow to marinate in cold place for 2 hours

In a large ceramic or glass salad bowl place the stale bread chunks and sprinkle with the cold water..do not soak

Add the marinated vegetables and dressing, mix well

Add 
1 cup minced parsley

1/2 cup minced fresh basil
2tsp minced fresh thyme (optional)
2 tsp fresh minced rosemary(optional)
1 cup nasturtium flowers (optional)

Mix well and serve immediately


Variations:

You may add 1/4'd boiled eggs

Try topping with crushed potato chips or broken pretzels too

Crumbled feta or hard cheese

Cooked and drained dried beans

Cooked green beans.or any other steamed cold vegetable

Any other vegetables in season..this works well with cooked red beets too