Panzanella Salad

For the croutons:

• 1 Italian bread smaller or bigger is up to your taste, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 garlic minced, cloves
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons thyme or 1 teaspoon dried, fresh leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt more or less to taste

For the salad:

• 2 cups basil or greens, leaves
• 1 cup tomato cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 red onion cliced
• 1 cup cucumber sliced
• 1 cup bell pepper sliced, any color

For the basil dressing:

• 1/2 cup basil chopped, fresh leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1 clove garlic finely minced
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese OR: 2 teaspoons of mustard if Vegan, freshly grated
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Alternative Dressing:

• 1/4 basil pesto Homemade basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 lemon zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping (optional)

• 1 burrata cheese https://www.twopurplefigs.com/burrata-cheese/