panzanella is truly “summer on a plate”
Panzanella is an Italian salad that can take on many forms, but almost always contains these 2 ingredients – ripe tomatoes and baked or sauteed bread cubes. From there you can pretty much add whatever you like – a mixture of in-season vegetables, some fresh herbs and occasionally a salty/briny component such as olives or capers. It’s all tossed together with a vinaigrette and put aside for about an hour to allow the flavors to develop, and for the bread cubes to absorb the dressing. The trick is to let it sit long enough for the bread to soften, while still retaining a little bit of crunch.
Panzanella is the quintessential summer salad as it takes full advantage of the array of fresh and beautiful produce that is at its peak right now. I try to incorporate as many different colors as possible and usually add some diced fresh mozzarella. Panzanella can be a meal all on its own or a pretty side dish, accompanying some simply grilled chicken or fish.
I’ve included a recipe for one of my favorite vinaigrettes but feel free to substitute your own. Or make it even easier with a quick drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic.
Mangiare e buon appetito!
For the bread cubes:
6 cups 1″ bread cubes (can be stale or fresh)**
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
For the salad:
1 large cucumber, peeled, quartered lengthwise and cut into thick slices
2-3 heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into bite-sized chunks
1 pint Sungold or teardrop tomatoes, halved if large
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cubed
20 basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
2 purple peppers, seeded and diced
For the vinaigrette:
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
Pre-heat the oven to 350. In a large bowl or plastic bag combine the bread cubes, olive oil, salt and pepper – toss till bread cubes are evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or till golden brown. Cool completely. While bread cubes are baking, combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Make vinaigrette: whisk first 4 ingredients till emulsified – season with salt and pepper to taste.
When bread cubes have cooled, add to salad. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently but thoroughly to combine. Let sit for no less than 30 minutes and up to an hour to allow flavors to develop and bread cubes to soften slightly. Serve immediately.
** this is a great way to use stale or leftover bread. Cut into 1″ cubes and freeze in single layers in ziploc bags. You don’t need to thaw them if using for croutons or in panzanella.
This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2011/08/07/to-market-panzanella/
10 Comments
Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
One of my favorite things in the whole world! Hope you are having a great summer…
Mine too! I’d be having a better summer if it weren’t going SO FAST! Same to you as always! 🙂
Hi Sheri,
I just made a lovely panzanella last week. One of my favorites during the summer.
What do you put in yours?
Sheri, I like mine with tomatoes, cucumbers, and capers. And stale bread that has been “revived” in water. Lots of vinegar is good, too! You can see my recipe here:
http://jodiskitchenandhome.blogspot.com/2011/08/family-vacation.html
That looks delicious Jodi – I’ve seen variations that have you soak the bread, vs. toasting – I’ve wondered about the difference and how that would taste………must try!
Looks divine! And healthy too
Thanks – yes, you can’t get much better than a big fresh salad!
Sheri – Thanks so much for sharing your recipe, it’s become a favorite in our house. We LOVE it and have had it for dinner twice this week (just finished eating it tonight!). Hope you’re well 🙂
Thanks Jenna – so glad you liked it as much as we do! Hope you’re doing well too; thanks so much for writing!