Panzanella
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Panzanella
Description
This Panzanella salad uses 1-inch cubes of ciabatta bread toasted with olive oil and salt to provide a crispy base that absorbs the dressing without becoming mushy. The dressing blends extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper for a bright, savory coating.
Red onion, tomato wedges, cucumber slices, and torn fresh basil are combined with the bread and poured over with the dressing, tossed gently to combine. Optional fresh mozzarella adds a creamy element complementing the crunchy and juicy ingredients. The salad is served garnished with extra basil for a fresh herbal finish, making it a refreshing dish suitable for warm weather or as a side salad.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ciabatta bread cut into 1-inch cubes, or sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1½ pounds tomato sliced into wedges or halved
- ½ English cucumber sliced into half moons
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella torn (optional)
- 1 cup basil torn, plus more for garnish, fresh leaves
- salt sea salt
For the dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic grated, cloves
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- sea salt heaping 1/2 teaspoon
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bread on the baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat and spread evenly on the sheet. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until crisp around the edges.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
- Add the onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and bread to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Add the cheese, if using, and the basil and gently toss. Season to taste and serve with more fresh basil on top.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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