Easy panzanella recipe

Here’s a simple Panzanella recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old Italian bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Allow them to cool.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, capers, and torn basil leaves.
4. Drizzle with Dressing:
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Allow the salad to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Season to Taste:
   • Season the Panzanella with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the dressing or add more olive oil if needed.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Panzanella salad in individual bowls or on a platter. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Panzanella as a side dish or a light summer meal!

FAQs

• What ingredients are in a panzanella salad?

• Panzanella salad typically includes day-old Italian bread (cubed and toasted), ripe tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, capers, and fresh basil. The salad is dressed with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

• What do you serve with panzanella?

• Panzanella is a versatile dish that can be served on its own as a light and refreshing meal. However, it also pairs well with grilled proteins such as chicken, fish, or shrimp. Additionally, it can be served alongside other Italian dishes or as a side salad for barbecues and picnics.

• What is winter panzanella made of?

• Winter panzanella often incorporates seasonal ingredients available during the colder months. While the core components remain similar, winter variations may include roasted root vegetables, hearty greens like kale, and citrus fruits. The bread may still be toasted, but the overall feel of the salad embraces the heartier and warmer flavors associated with winter produce.

• What does La Panzanella mean?

• “La Panzanella” translates to “the little bread basket” in English. The name reflects the primary ingredient of the dish, which is bread. Panzanella originated as a clever way to use up stale bread, turning it into a delicious and satisfying salad. The name captures the essence of this Italian dish, highlighting its rustic charm and resourceful approach to cooking.