Description
Panzanella is a vibrant, rustic Italian salad that transforms stale bread into something extraordinary. Tossed with juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, fresh basil, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing yet hearty dish perfect for summer. This salad is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether served as a side or a light meal, Panzanella is a delicious way to celebrate simple, high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old ciabatta or sourdough, cut into cubes
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the bread: If the bread is too fresh, toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes until slightly dried out.
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Prepare the vegetables: Chop the tomatoes, slice the onion, and soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. Drain and set aside.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, tomatoes, onion, cucumber (if using), and basil.
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Add the dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well, ensuring the bread absorbs the flavors.
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Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
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Final touches: Just before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle with extra olive oil if needed.
Notes
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If making ahead, store the salad components separately and mix everything just before serving.
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For extra flavor, add a handful of olives or crumbled feta.
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To keep the bread from getting too soggy, toast it lightly before adding it to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0g