Panzanella salad is a classic Italian dish that makes use of stale bread and ripe tomatoes, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. This salad is perfect for summer, as it combines fresh vegetables with bread to create a hearty and refreshing meal. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a traditional Panzanella salad that is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients for Panzanella Salad:
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (optional)
How to Make Panzanella Salad:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the bread cubes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil leaves, capers, and black olives.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.
- If desired, add the fresh mozzarella balls just before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Bread: Stale bread is traditionally used in Panzanella salad, as it soaks up the dressing and adds texture to the salad.
- Olive Oil: Used for both toasting the bread and making the dressing, olive oil adds richness and flavor to the salad.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor to the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides acidity and tanginess to the dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a hint of spiciness.
- Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are a key ingredient in Panzanella salad, adding sweetness and acidity.
- Cucumber: Adds freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp flavor and a pop of color.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, herbaceous note to the salad.
- Capers: Add a salty, briny flavor.
- Black Olives: Add a rich, earthy flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Optional, but add creaminess and richness to the salad.
Enjoy this delicious and refreshing Panzanella salad as a main course or side dish!
