Effortless and Delicious Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe
Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil with the heartiness of crusty bread. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up day-old bread. The simplicity and versatility of this salad make it a perfect option for a quick and refreshing meal. In this recipe, I will show you how to make a delightful Panzanella bread salad that is effortless to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 300g stale baguette, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 500g ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and torn basil leaves. Add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined. Make sure the bread is coated with the dressing.
5. Let it Rest: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the bread to soak up the flavors of the vegetables and dressing.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Give the salad a final toss before serving. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve the Panzanella bread salad as a hearty side dish or a light main course.
Tips and Variations:
– Add some crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella for an extra burst of flavor.
– You can customize the salad with your favorite vegetables such as olives, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.
– To make this dish vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion:
This Effortless and Delicious Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe is a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, toasted bread, and flavorful dressing creates a harmonious medley of textures and tastes. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side dish, this Panzanella salad is sure to impress your taste buds. Try this recipe on a warm day for a light and refreshing dining experience.