Are you ready to elevate your salad game to new heights? Say hello to the Toasted Panzanella Salad Bowls, a vibrant Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! Bursting with flavors from juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and crispy toasted bread, this salad is not just a meal—it's an experience. Perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side dish at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into this delightful medley and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed stale bread
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed stale bread with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring each bread cube is evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread the oiled bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- While the bread is toasting, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Once the bread is toasted and cooled for 2-3 minutes, combine the toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped fresh basil in a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to slightly absorb the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in individual bowls, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, make sure to use stale bread. If you don’t have any on hand, you can dry fresh bread in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
- Mix and Match Veggies: Feel free to customize your salad with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have in your fridge. Bell peppers, radishes, or even avocados can add a unique twist!
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after tossing helps the flavors meld beautifully, so don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with Dressings: While the balsamic dressing is delicious, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare it shortly before serving to maintain the crispness of the bread and veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
