Discover the vibrant flavors of Italy with our mouthwatering Panzanella Italian Tomato Bread Salad! This delightful dish brings together the freshness of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and the heartiness of stale bread, creating a symphony of taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a refreshing side for your grilled favorites, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. With just 25 minutes of prep and cooking time, you’ll be able to whip up a stunning dish that not only looks beautiful but also tastes divine. Get ready to dive into this Italian classic that will have your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the stale bread into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This will help them soak up the dressing and flavors later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread with the chopped ripe tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
- Next, add the torn fresh basil to the bowl. The basil will add a fragrant aroma and fresh flavor to the salad. Gently fold it into the mixture to avoid bruising the leaves.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. This will be your dressing. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the bread and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the bread is well-coated with the dressing and the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Panzanella salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy this refreshing Italian dish as a light lunch or as a side with your favorite grilled meats.
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use stale bread that’s at least a day old. This allows the bread to soak up the dressing without becoming mushy. A rustic Italian loaf or ciabatta works wonderfully!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil for an authentic taste. The quality of your ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your salad.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives to suit your taste. Panzanella is versatile, so make it your own!
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes after mixing. This resting period lets the bread soak up the dressing and the juices from the tomatoes, intensifying the flavors.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before pouring it over the salad. You can always add more olive oil or vinegar to get the flavor just right.
- Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: This salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings.
- Presentation is Key: For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a large platter and garnish with extra basil leaves. A sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top adds a nice finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
