Imagine a dish that transforms humble stale bread into a culinary masterpiece that dances with vibrant flavors and colors! Panzanella is not just a salad – it's a delicious Italian tradition that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary feast for your senses. With juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and bread that soaks up a tangy vinaigrette, this recipe will transport you straight to the sun-drenched countryside of Tuscany with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed stale bread
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the Panzanella. Ensure that the stale bread is cubed into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. This will serve as your dressing for the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar mixture over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the salad, ensuring that the bread and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Let the Panzanella sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the stale bread to absorb some of the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.
- After the resting period, give the salad one final toss to mix everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as desired.
- Serve the Panzanella immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course. Enjoy your Italian-inspired salad!
Tips
- Use truly stale bread for the best texture - fresh bread won't absorb the dressing as effectively.
- Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to soften.
- Choose ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- For extra depth, consider adding fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of good quality parmesan.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar for the most authentic taste.
- Serve at room temperature for the most authentic Italian experience.
- This dish is incredibly forgiving - feel free to adjust quantities to your taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 266kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
