Classic Panzanella Salad
Classic Panzanella Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. This Italian bread salad features juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy stale bread, all tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics or casual dinners, this easy-to-make salad is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Gather your friends and family to enjoy this colorful plate that celebrates fresh ingredients and the joy of togetherness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required; toasting optional
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups stale crusty bread (ciabatta or baguette), cubed
- 2 cups ripe heirloom tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if toasting bread. Cube stale bread and toast until golden brown.
- Dice tomatoes and cucumber; slice red onion thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients; let marinate for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg