Name: Panzanella Salad (Italian Bread Salad)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 large cucumber, chopped; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls; ¼ cup fresh basil, torn; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting bread); ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Description

Savor the delightful Panzanella Salad, a classic Italian dish combining crunchy bread, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Ideal for a quick dinner or healthy meal, this salad bursts with fresh flavors and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, chopped
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls
¼ cup fresh basil, torn
2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting bread)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat.
Bake bread for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, then let it cool slightly.
While the bread bakes, prepare the vegetables: halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and torn basil. Cut mozzarella into bite-sized pieces if needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat, avoiding over-mixing to keep the bread's texture.
Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb the dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Using day-old bread enhances the texture and flavor of the salad.
Allowing the salad to rest is crucial for the best taste and texture.
Feel free to add other vegetables or protein to customize the dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 230
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg