Craving a mouthwatering plant-based twist on the classic BLT that'll make your taste buds dance? Get ready to revolutionize your salad game with the Vegan BLT Panzanella Salad - a crispy, tangy, and utterly irresistible dish that proves vegan cuisine can be both exciting and incredibly delicious! This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that'll have even meat-lovers coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup vegan bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the bread cubes for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- While the bread is toasting, prepare the vegan bacon according to package instructions. Crumble into small pieces once cooked and cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and cooled bread cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Sprinkle the crumbled vegan bacon over the top of the salad.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately at room temperature and enjoy your Vegan BLT Panzanella Salad.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta for the best texture and crunch when toasting.
- Toasting Technique: Watch your bread cubes carefully while baking to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning.
- Vegan Bacon Variation: Experiment with different plant-based bacon alternatives like tempeh, coconut, or mushroom-based options for unique flavors.
- Tomato Tips: Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Dressing Hack: Prepare the dressing a bit ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
- Serving Suggestion: For best results, serve immediately after preparing to maintain the bread's crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
