Refreshing Panzanella Salad (15 Minutes)

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Panzanella is a refreshing and vibrant Italian salad that celebrates the flavors of summer. It combines crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, all tossed together in a simple vinaigrette. What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms stale bread into a delicious and satisfying component, soaking up the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s perfect for family gatherings or as a light and wholesome meal on its own. Let’s begin!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups stale bread (preferably rustic or sourdough), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil leaves, and olives.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  3. Pour the vinaigrette over the bread and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Let the Panzanella sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and for the bread to absorb the vinaigrette.
  5. Give the salad a final toss before serving to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

Stale bread works best for this recipe as it holds up well when mixed with the dressing. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes until they become slightly crisp. Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your Panzanella such as diced bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or even fresh mozzarella for added texture and flavor. Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar for the best results. These ingredients play a key role in enhancing the flavors of the salad. Allow the salad to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the bread soak up the dressing and allows the flavors to develop. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

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