Description
Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is a fresh Italian bread salad made with crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, basil, red onion, mozzarella, olive oil, and red wine vinegar for a light, flavorful summer dish that is easy, colorful, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
Ingredients
3 cups crusty bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
4 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, finely grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes. If the bread is very fresh, toast it lightly at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are dry and lightly golden, then let it cool.
2. Chop the tomatoes, slice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and tear the basil leaves.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Place the bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil in a large bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently so the bread starts soaking up the tomato juices and vinaigrette.
6. Fold in the mozzarella carefully so it stays creamy and holds its shape.
7. Let the salad rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend and the bread can soften slightly without becoming mushy.
8. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use ripe, juicy tomatoes because they create much of the flavor in this salad.
Choose sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic Italian bread so it holds up after dressing.
Do not let the salad sit too long after mixing or the bread can become overly soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg