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Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe

This easy panzanella salad is a classic Italian dish that combines crispy bread with fresh vegetables and a tangy balsamic dressing. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, highlighting summer's best produce in a delightful, flavorful way.

Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe
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Photos of Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe

When shopping for this recipe, you may need to be aware of a few ingredients that are not always found in every household. Ensure you have ciabatta bread, fresh mozzarella, and kalamata olives. These can usually be found in the bakery and cheese sections, and the international aisle respectively.

Ingredients For Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe

Ciabatta bread: An Italian white bread known for its soft, airy texture and crispy crust, perfect for toasting.

Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, used here for toasting the bread and in the dressing.

Salt: Essential for seasoning.

Pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor.

Tomatoes: Juicy and ripe, they are the star of this salad.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.

Fresh basil: Provides a fragrant, herbal note that brightens the dish.

Fresh mozzarella: Soft and creamy, it adds a lovely texture.

Cucumbers: Adds a refreshing crunch.

Kalamata olives: Briny and flavorful, they add a Mediterranean touch.

Balsamic vinegar: Combines with olive oil to create a tangy dressing.

One reader, Kaylee Rader says:

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This easy panzanella salad recipe is a game-changer! The toasted ciabatta adds the perfect crunch, and the fresh veggies make it so refreshing. The balsamic dressing ties everything together beautifully. A must-try for a quick, delicious meal!

Kaylee Rader

Key Techniques for Making Panzanella Salad

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to the desired temperature and allow it to reach that temperature before placing any food inside. How to toss bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper: Combine the bread pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl, and mix until the bread is evenly coated. How to bake bread: Place the coated bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until it is lightly browned and dried. How to whisk together dressing ingredients: Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and whisk until they are well mixed. How to assemble salad: Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl and mix gently to combine. How to drizzle dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. How to let salad sit: Allow the salad to rest for a specified time, tossing occasionally to ensure flavors meld together.

How To Make Easy Panzanella Salad

Put together a filling bowl of Italian panzanella for your next lunch meal! It’s made with fresh veggies and fruits, and comes with a tangy dressing.

Preparation: 25 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

  • 6cupsciabatta bread,torn into pieces
  • ¼cupolive oil
  • salt and pepper,to taste
  • 1lbtomatoes
  • ¼red onion,thinly sliced
  • 2tbspfresh basil,with oregano and/or parsley
  • 1cupfresh mozzarella,cocktail sized
  • 1cupcucumbers,sliced
  • ½cupkalamata olives,pitted

For Dressing:

  • ¼cupolive oil
  • 2tbspbalsamic vinegar,or white balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

  2. Place the bread in a large bowl, then toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

  3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly browned and dried. Set aside to cool.

Dressing:

  1. Whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

To Assemble:

  1. Place the the toasted bread, tomatoes, onion, mozzarella, cucumbers, and kalamata olives in a large bowl.

  2. Drizzle in the dressing, then gently toss to combine.

  3. Let sit for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally.

  4. Top with the basil and fresh pepper, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 270.66kcal
  • Fat: 18.66g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.09g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 11.64g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.12g
  • Carbohydrates: 19.73g
  • Fiber: 2.51g
  • Sugar: 4.40g
  • Protein: 7.15g
  • Cholesterol: 11.06mg
  • Sodium: 337.27mg
  • Calcium: 132.88mg
  • Potassium: 241.67mg
  • Iron: 1.79mg
  • Vitamin A: 53.19µg
  • Vitamin C: 8.68mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting easy panzanella salad recipe

To enhance the flavor of your ciabatta bread, try rubbing a clove of garlic on the bread slices before tossing them with olive oil and seasoning. This will infuse a subtle garlic aroma and taste into your panzanella salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing easy panzanella salad recipe

Pre-toast the bread: Toast the ciabatta bread in advance and store it in an airtight container to save time on the day of preparation.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the tomatoes, red onion, and cucumbers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Use pre-made dressing: Opt for a high-quality, store-bought balsamic vinaigrette to skip making the dressing from scratch.

Buy pre-sliced mozzarella: Purchase fresh mozzarella that is already sliced to save on prep time.

Assemble in advance: Combine all ingredients except the toasted bread and dressing in a bowl and refrigerate. Add the bread and dressing just before serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe

  • ciabatta bread - Substitute with french baguette: French baguette has a similar texture and can absorb the dressing well.

  • olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile and is equally healthy.

  • tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and can add a burst of flavor.

  • red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can add a subtle onion flavor.

  • fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous note.

  • fresh mozzarella - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor and a crumbly texture.

  • cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and can be used raw in salads.

  • kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives have a similar briny flavor and are more commonly available.

  • olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is a neutral oil that can be used in dressings.

  • balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can add a tangy flavor.

  • salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the dish.

  • pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a seasoning.

How to Beautifully Present Panzanella Salad

  1. Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the ciabatta bread, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and other components are of the highest quality to enhance the flavor and presentation.

  2. Cut ingredients uniformly: Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion into uniform pieces to create a visually appealing and balanced dish.

  3. Toast the bread perfectly: Bake the ciabatta bread cubes until they are golden brown and crisp, ensuring they add the perfect crunch to the salad.

  4. Layer the ingredients: Arrange the toasted bread, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mozzarella, cucumbers, and kalamata olives in layers to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.

  5. Drizzle dressing elegantly: Use a small spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the salad, ensuring even distribution without overwhelming the ingredients.

  6. Garnish with fresh basil: Top the salad with finely chopped fresh basil leaves, adding a burst of color and a fresh aroma.

  7. Serve in a stylish bowl: Present the salad in a sleek, modern bowl that complements the dish's colors and textures, elevating the overall dining experience.

  8. Add a touch of fresh pepper: Finish with a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors and add a subtle kick.

  9. Let the salad rest: Allow the salad to sit for 15 minutes before serving, giving the bread time to absorb the dressing and meld the flavors together.

  10. Serve immediately: Present the salad promptly to ensure the bread remains slightly crisp and the vegetables retain their freshness.

Essential Tools for Making Panzanella Salad

  • Oven: Used to bake the ciabatta bread until it is lightly browned and dried.

  • Large bowl: Used for tossing the bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and later for assembling the salad.

  • Baking sheet: Used to spread out the bread cubes for baking.

  • Whisk: Used to mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.

  • Knife: Used to chop the tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and fresh basil.

  • Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the vegetables and basil.

  • Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and other ingredients accurately.

  • Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like the salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.

  • Mixing spoon: Used to toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing.

  • Serving bowl: Used to serve the finished panzanella salad.

Interesting Fact About Panzanella Salad

A traditional panzanella salad originates from Tuscany, Italy, and was originally a way to use up stale bread. The recipe typically includes tomatoes, onions, and basil, making it a refreshing and resourceful dish.

Is Making Panzanella Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This easy panzanella salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like ciabatta bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion are relatively inexpensive and widely available. Fresh mozzarella and kalamata olives might be slightly pricier, but they add a delightful richness to the dish. The dressing, made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, is simple yet flavorful. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $12-$15.

Is Panzanella Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The easy panzanella salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of nutrients from various ingredients. The salad includes:

  • Whole grain ciabatta bread, providing fiber and complex carbohydrates
  • Olive oil, a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
  • Tomatoes, rich in vitamin C and lycopene
  • Red onion, containing antioxidants and vitamin C
  • Fresh basil, offering vitamins and minerals
  • Mozzarella cheese, providing protein and calcium
  • Cucumbers, a low-calorie vegetable with vitamin K
  • Kalamata olives, a source of healthy fats

The dressing, made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, adds flavor without excessive calories or unhealthy fats.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:

  • Increase the variety of vegetables, such as adding bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added vitamins and minerals
  • Use whole grain bread or a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions
  • Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety to decrease saturated fat content
  • Include a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive salt

Editor's Opinion on This Panzanella Salad Recipe

This panzanella salad recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a summer meal. The toasted ciabatta adds a satisfying crunch, while the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella provide a refreshing contrast. The kalamata olives introduce a briny depth, and the basil adds a fragrant finish. The simple balsamic dressing ties everything together beautifully. Allowing the salad to sit for 15 minutes ensures the bread absorbs the dressing, enhancing the overall taste. It's a straightforward yet elegant dish that showcases the beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Enhance Your Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Elevate your panzanella salad with a succulent grilled lemon herb chicken. The zesty citrus notes and aromatic herbs will perfectly complement the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Add a touch of elegance to your meal with roasted garlic parmesan asparagus. The tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan will provide a delightful contrast to the crisp, tangy panzanella.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Warm up your taste buds with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. The rich, velvety tomato base infused with fresh basil will enhance the tomato flavors in your panzanella salad, making for a comforting and cohesive dining experience.
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon: For a touch of sophistication, serve prosciutto wrapped melon alongside your panzanella salad. The sweet, juicy melon paired with the salty, savory prosciutto creates a delightful balance of flavors that will elevate your meal to new heights.
Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of lemon ricotta cheesecake. The creamy, tangy cheesecake with a hint of lemon will provide a refreshing and indulgent finish, perfectly complementing the light and fresh panzanella salad.

Delicious Alternatives to Panzanella Salad

Caprese Salad: Dive into the simplicity of Italian cuisine with a Caprese Salad. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a light lunch or a stunning appetizer.
Greek Salad: Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with a Greek Salad. Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny kalamata olives are tossed with red onion and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. A refreshing and healthy choice.
Nicoise Salad: Experience the flavors of Southern France with a Nicoise Salad. This hearty salad features tuna, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, and olives, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It's a complete meal in itself.
Fattoush Salad: Enjoy a Middle Eastern twist with a Fattoush Salad. This vibrant salad combines pita bread croutons, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes, all tossed in a lemony sumac dressing. It's a burst of flavors and textures.
Caesar Salad: Indulge in the classic Caesar Salad. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese are tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.

Why trust this Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe:

This panzanella salad recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the perfect balance of crunchy ciabatta bread and fresh vegetables. The homemade dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang, while the fresh basil and mozzarella elevate the flavors. Easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant ingredients, this dish is ideal for any occasion. Trust in the simplicity and freshness of this recipe to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts on this Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of bread instead of ciabatta?
Absolutely! You can use any crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold up to the dressing without getting too soggy.
How long can I store the panzanella salad?
Panzanella is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to a day. The bread will get softer the longer it sits, so if you prefer a crunchier texture, it's best to eat it right away.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even some arugula for extra flavor and crunch. Panzanella is pretty versatile, so you can customize it to your liking.
Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?
If you don't have fresh mozzarella, you can use feta cheese or even goat cheese. Both will add a nice tangy flavor to the salad.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
It's up to you! If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the cucumbers. If you like a bit more crunch and don't mind the skin, you can leave them unpeeled.

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