Dive into a burst of flavors with our Cherry and Rocket Panzanella Salad, a delightful Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! This vibrant salad not only showcases the sweet juiciness of cherries and the peppery freshness of rocket (arugula), but it also gives new life to stale bread, making it a sustainable choice for your kitchen. Perfect as a refreshing starter or a light main dish, this recipe is a must-try that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Ready to impress? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups rocket (arugula)
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup stale bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the rocket (arugula) under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, take the cherries and remove the pits. Slice each cherry in half and add them to the bowl with the rocket.
- Now, prepare the stale bread. If the bread is not already cubed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cubed stale bread to the skillet. Toast the bread cubes for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.
- Once the bread has cooled, add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl with the rocket and cherries. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- To serve, transfer the salad to a large platter or individual plates. Shave or grate Parmesan cheese over the top for garnish, adding as much as you desire.
- Enjoy your Cherry and Rocket Panzanella Salad as a refreshing starter or a light main dish!
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use stale bread that's at least a day old. It will absorb the dressing beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Choose Ripe Cherries: Opt for fresh, ripe cherries for the sweetest flavor. If cherries are out of season, feel free to substitute with other seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches.
- Experiment with Dressings: While balsamic vinegar is classic, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of honey to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add Crunch: For added texture, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds, to give your salad an extra crunch.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing to maintain the crispness of the bread and rocket. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
