Description
Panzanella Salad (Italian Bread Salad) brings together crispy bread, juicy tomatoes, and fresh cucumbers in a vibrant dish that’s perfect for quick dinners or healthy lunches. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy summer produce!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting bread)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, tossing to coat evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp on the outside.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and tear the fresh basil. Cut large mozzarella into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is coated, being careful not to over mix the bread.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more olive oil as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Using day-old bread gives the best texture for this salad.
Letting the salad rest allows the flavors to meld without making the bread too soggy.
Feel free to add other ingredients like olives or peppers for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg