Description
Enjoy the vibrant taste of Panzanella Salad, featuring crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Perfect as a healthy meal or a quick dinner option.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the bread cubes for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp on the outside yet slightly soft inside. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, chop the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and tear the basil leaves. If using large mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients without over mixing.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb flavors while retaining some texture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Using day-old bread enhances the texture of the salad.
Allowing the salad to sit helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Customize with other vegetables or herbs based on your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg