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Tomato Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad)
5 from 18 votes

Tomato Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad)

Tomato Panzanella is a Tuscan bread salad featuring toasted ciabatta cubes mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sweet shallots, cubed mozzarella, and fresh basil. Dressed in a lemon-based vinaigrette, this salad layers crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and crunchy bread for a bright and textured summer dish. The optional mozzarella marinade adds extra herbaceous flavor.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 306 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 ciabatta roll or two small rolls, large 6-7 inch
  • 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
  • 10 oz cherry tomato
  • 1 shallot large
  • ½ cucumber
  • 2 oz mozzarella cubed
  • basil as much as you'd like!, fresh
EASY LEMON DRESSING
  • 1 lemon plus extra to garnish if desired, fresh
  • 3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 TBSP sherry vinegar
  • 1 TBSP white wine vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
OPTIONAL MOZZARELLA MARINADE
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp Italian blend seasoning
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp parsley (fresh or dried)
  • ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First whisk together your dressing: Zest half of your lemon then squeeze out all its juice. Combine zest, juice, and remanining ingredients in a mason jar and shake well. Once to mix then again before serving.
  2. Heat your oven or toaster oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet and top with torn pieces of ciabatta bread. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, toss to coat, and arrange in an even layer. Toast until lightly browned but still soft on the inside, approx. 5-7 minutes.
  3. For the salad, halve your cherry tomatoes, peel and thinly slice the shallow, and chop your cucumber.
  4. Combine veggies with cubed mozzarella (feel free to use the optional mozzarella marinade above if you'd like!) and toasted ciabatta. Add as much basil as your heart desires. Give your lemony dressing one final shake and pour over salad. Toss to combine and garnish with extra basil and lemon wedges.
  5. Dive in!

Notes

  • Substitute ciabatta with other crusty breads like baguette, French loaf, Italian bread, or focaccia as preferred.
  • If using the optional mozzarella marinade, prepare it after making the dressing and toss mozzarella cubes to absorb extra flavor.
  • Adding a few drops of dressing to the mozzarella before mixing with other ingredients enhances the cheese's taste.
  • Nutrition facts are estimated; adjust ingredient quantities to fit dietary needs and preferences.
  • Serve the salad soon after assembling to maintain the toasted bread’s texture and freshness of the vegetables.

Nutrition Information

Calories 306kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 19g (6%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 418mg (17%) Potassium 366mg (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 626IU (13%) Vitamin C 43mg (48%) Calcium 122mg (12%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 306

% Daily Value*

Calories 306kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 418mg 17%
Potassium 366mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 626IU 13%
Vitamin C 43mg 48%
Calcium 122mg 12%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.