Teresa's Recipes
Panzanella Estate
Panzanella Estate is a vibrant and refreshing Italian bread salad, bursting with the flavors of summer. Originating from the rustic kitchens of Tuscany, this dish showcases the best of seasonal produce with its chewy chunks of stale bread, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, all brought together by a fragrant basil dressing. Perfect for picnics or as a light meal, this salad embodies the Italian philosophy of using simple, high-quality ingredients to create something truly spectacular.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, cut into 1-inch chunks Stale bread
- 4 cups, chopped Ripe tomatoes
- 1 large, peeled and sliced Cucumber
- 1 medium, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1 cup, loosely packed Fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Begin by placing the stale bread chunks into a large mixing bowl. If your bread is not stale, toast the chunks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they are dry and slightly golden.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the bowl with the bread, ensuring to include any juices for added flavor.
- Peel the cucumber, slice it, and add it to the mixture.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion, then incorporate it into the salad.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand and add them to the bowl, releasing their aromatic oils.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar to create a simple dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, then season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad gently until all ingredients are well combined and the bread has soaked up some of the dressing.
- Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating other seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes.
- You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or mozzarella balls to make this salad a more complete meal.
- If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.