Filled with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, mozzarella, and chunks of crusty bread all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing, this salad is a beautiful blend of summer flavors. This bread salad is a great starter, a beautiful fresh lunch dish, or the perfect side dish next to Grilled Chicken Breast!
Fresh and Flavorful Bread Salad
What is Panzanella? Panzanella is a Tuscan bread salad, usually dressed with a balsamic and olive oil vinaigrette. Traditionally, it was made with cubes of stale bread. There’s something magical about a fresh Italian salad and this one is no exception. The flavors pair well with bread in this recipe or even a crowd-pleasing Italian pasta salad.
Ingredients for Panzanella Salad
Bread – : Opt for a fresh loaf of Ciabatta Bread or even sourdough bread, torn into pieces (rather than cut into cubes) and baked until crisped. If you’ve got leftover bread loaves or even homemade croutons, they’ll work perfectly too. Veggies – Juicy ripe tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes are best), crisp cucumbers, and red onions & olives. Add plenty of fresh basil, and oregano! Vegetables – Any ripe tomato will work, we love cherry or grape tomatoes or fresh garden tomatoes. Crisp cucumbers add crunch and the red onions and olives out this salad perfectly. Cheese – This recipe is best with either bocconccini or burrata, a fresh creamy mozzarella cheese. You can use other types of mozzarella but fresh is best if possible. Crumbled feta or goat cheese are other options! Dressing – A classic mix of balsamic and extra-virgin olive oil is all you need. You can also use balsamic vinaigrette or try flavored oils, balsamic glaze, or even a dash of red wine vinegar for a tantalizing twist. Additional Options – Add a bit of crushed garlic to to the chunks of bread along with the oil. Try adding capers, arugula. For an extra kick of freshness, remember to toss in plenty of fresh basil and oregano.
How to Make Panzanella
This panzanella salad recipe is super simple to prepare. Did you make this Easy Panzanella Salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a basil plant instead of a pack of basil. It’ll last a long time and fresh herbs are an inexpensive way to make salads, pastas, and sandwiches taste gourmet. © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
