Description
Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is a fresh Italian bread salad made with crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, basil, red onion, creamy mozzarella, olive oil, and red wine vinegar for a bright, flavorful summer dish that works beautifully as a light lunch, side salad, or easy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
4 cups crusty bread, cut into cubes
3 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or cubed
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut the bread into bite sized cubes and toast them until lightly golden and dry around the edges.
2. Chop the tomatoes, slice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and tear the mozzarella into bite sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Place the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently so the bread begins to absorb the juices.
6. Let the salad rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Add the torn basil, toss once more, and serve.
Notes
Use day old bread if possible because it holds up better once dressed.
Let the salad rest before serving so the bread can absorb the tomato juices and vinaigrette.
Add the basil at the end to keep its flavor fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toasted and tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg