Panzanella: Traditional Italian Bread and Tomato Salad
User Reviews
5
Panzanella: Traditional Italian Bread and Tomato Salad
Description
The Traditional Italian Bread and Tomato Salad, known as Panzanella, uses cubed stale Italian-style bread as its base. The bread soaks up juices released from ripe tomatoes, combined with fresh torn basil leaves and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Optional sweet onion and cucumber slices round out the mix with crisp and mildly pungent notes. Kosher salt seasons the salad, balancing acidity and freshness.
The salad is tossed together in a serving bowl and allowed to rest briefly to let the bread soften and absorb flavorful juices. This produces a moist, tender salad with bursts of acidity from the vinegar and brightness from basil. The interplay of textures between softened bread and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying bite.
Panzanella is an ideal side dish for summer meals or a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood, providing refreshing contrast. Since the bread absorbs the dressing, it avoids sogginess by using stale bread that holds up well.
Quality ingredients matter; fresh tomatoes and good olive oil have the most impact on the final flavor. Adjust salt to taste and let the salad sit a few minutes before serving for best texture.
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomato or large sized
- 2 pieces Italian style bread (stale, cubed)
- 3 basil fresh, torn into pieces, leaves
- 1 small cucumber (sliced, optional)
- ⅓ sweet onion (cut into pieces, optional)
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt (or sea salt)
Instructions
- Place the bread into a serving bowl which will accommodate the rest of the ingredients.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Sprinkle with the salt, drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar and toss again, until well mixed.
- Leave for a few minutes so that the juice can soak into the bread cubes, then serve.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes and good olive oil for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Sodium | 895mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 765mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 2186IU | 44% |
| Vitamin C | 39mg | 43% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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