Panzanella salad

panzanella_salad

Panzanella is a classic Italian salad that boasts a unique combination of flavors and textures. It is a kind of bread salad that is closely associated with the Tuscan region of Italy. It is a relatively simple dish that is made using bread, tomatoes, onions, and a few other ingredients. It is a quintessential summer dish in Italy, made when the weather is warm and vegetables are abundant.

The name Panzanella comes from the Tuscan dialect and means “bread salad”. Traditionally, it is made with stale bread that is soaked in water and then squeezed dry. Then it is broken into pieces and mixed with ripe tomatoes, onions, and fresh basil. Olive oil, salt, and vinegar are added to taste, and the salad is allowed to rest for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend together. The result is a salad that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Panzanella salad is also a great way to use up stale bread, which in Italy is never thrown away. Instead, it is used to create delicious dishes like this one. This salad is perfect for summer, as it’s light and refreshing, it’s also a great way to showcase fresh, ripe tomatoes. The dish is perfect for picnics, barbeques, and any other outdoor occasions.

The key to making a great Panzanella salad is using high-quality ingredients. This includes ripe tomatoes, flavorful onions, fresh basil, and good quality bread. It is important to allow the bread to soak up the dressing thoroughly to ensure that it is moist and flavorful. Some variations of this salad include the addition of cucumbers, bell peppers, and even olives.

This recipe for Panzanella salad is a simple and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of Italy. It uses ripe, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh onions to create a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing. The addition of good quality bread adds an extra layer of texture, making the dish a great choice for anyone looking for a hearty, filling salad.

To make this recipe, start by soaking the bread in water and squeezing it dry. Then mix it with the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together. Finally, garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Overall, Panzanella salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in a refreshing salad. It requires only a few simple ingredients, and it’s easy to make. It’s perfect for any summer occasion and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just want to enjoy a delicious salad, Panzanella salad is a great choice.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Drizzle the cubed bread with the olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss again. Spread the bread out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced red onion, minced garlic, tomatoes, cucumber, and basil. Toss to combine.

  3. Add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl with the vegetables and toss to combine.

  4. Drizzle the salad with the red wine vinegar and toss to coat.

  5. Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the flavors of the vegetables and the vinegar.

  6. Before serving, sprinkle the salad with shredded Parmesan cheese.

  7. Serve the Panzanella salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!