How to Cook Panzanella Salad in 5 Minutes

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Panzanella salad is a delightful Italian dish, perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. This vibrant salad features ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and a variety of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful dressing that elevates the dish to a new level. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe to guide you through making this beloved salad.

Panzanella Salad (with the Best Dressing!)

Take a look at this beautiful representation of a Panzanella salad. The colors and textures come together to create a refreshing dish, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Panzanella Salad with the Best Dressing

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of stale crusty bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups of ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the stale bread. If it’s not already stale, toast the bread cubes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until they are golden and crispy. Allow them to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Gently toss these fresh vegetables together.
  3. Add the torn basil leaves to the vegetable mix, giving everything a gentle stir to incorporate the flavors.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This will create a zesty dressing that brings the salad together.
  5. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything to coat thoroughly.
  6. Finally, add the toasted bread cubes to the salad, and toss gently to combine without crushing the bread. Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes to let the bread soak up the dressing.
  7. Serve the Panzanella salad fresh, enjoying the delicious blend of flavors and textures. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light meal.

This Panzanella salad is a testament to the beauty of fresh ingredients and simple preparations. Enjoy making this delightful dish that captures the essence of summer!