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Fresh Ultimate Panzanella Salad Recipe with Heirloom Tomatoes

Fresh Ultimate Panzanella Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing summer salad featuring juicy heirloom tomatoes, crusty bread soaked in a zesty dressing, and fresh basil leaves. Perfect for quick meals and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups crusty bread, preferably day-old ciabatta or country loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (toasted or lightly stale works best)
  • 3 cups heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors and sizes, roughly chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional: soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
  2. Roughly chop heirloom tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice red onion and dice cucumber if using. Tear basil leaves by hand.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and basil. Pour dressing over and gently toss. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak up dressing.
  5. If using, add capers, olives, and shaved Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. Toss gently and serve.

Notes

Use day-old or toasted bread to prevent sogginess. Let salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Reserve some toasted bread cubes to add on top for extra crunch if salad becomes too soft. Soak red onion in cold water to mellow sharpness if desired. Substitute gluten-free bread or crispy chickpeas for gluten-free option. Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: panzanella, summer salad, heirloom tomatoes, bread salad, Italian salad, easy salad recipe, fresh basil, healthy salad

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/fresh-ultimate-panzanella-salad-recipe-with-heirloom-tomatoes-easy-and-delicious/