ITALIAN PANZANELLA SALAD WITH TOMATO AND BASIL
Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil is a rustic and refreshing dish that highlights the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. Stale bread is given new life as it soaks up the vibrant juices of ripe tomatoes and the tangy blend of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The crisp cucumber and thinly sliced red onion add crunch, while fragrant basil leaves bring an aromatic freshness that ties everything together. The balance of soft bread, juicy vegetables and zesty dressing creates a delightful mix of textures and flavours in every bite. The Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil is light yet satisfying, which is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics or a quick weekday lunch. Its simplicity makes it versatile and with just a few wholesome ingredients, this Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil delivers bold and authentic flavours that are both nourishing and timeless.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Appetisers, Brunch, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, One-Pot Wonders, 5 Ingredients or Less
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Family Reunion, Easter, Anniversary, Wedding, Fall, Fourth of July, Birthday, Graduation, Party,
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Kid Friendly, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil:
- 40 grams | 1.41 ounces | 1 slice stale bread, torn
- 120 grams | 4.23 ounces | 1 medium tomato, diced
- 80 grams | 2.82 ounces | ¼ medium cucumber, diced
- 40 grams | 1.41 ounces | ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 15 millilitres | 0.51 fluid ounces | 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 millilitres | 0.51 fluid ounces | 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | a few fresh basil leaves, garnish
- 5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 30 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 289 kilocalories
- Fat: 14.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.0 grams
- Carbohydrate: 36.0 grams
- Sugar: 10.3 grams
- Fibre: 3.9 grams
- Sodium: 807 milligrams
- Protein: 5.2 grams
- Calcium: 74 milligrams
- Potassium: 586 milligrams
- Iron: 2.60 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil:
- Prepare The Bread: Tear the stale bread into bite-sized pieces. Toast it lightly in a pan or oven to give it a crisp texture.
- Combine The Vegetables: In a bowl, mix the diced tomato, cucumber and thinly sliced red onion. Add a pinch of salt to draw out the moisture from the vegetables.
- Make The Dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. This simple dressing enhances the flavour of the vegetables and bread.
- Toss The Salad: Add the bread pieces to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine. Let it rest for a few minutes for the bread to absorb the flavours.
- Garnish And Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. The fresh herbs add a burst of aroma and a vibrant touch.
PREPARATION TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
5 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil:
- Use Stale Bread: Traditional Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil calls for stale bread. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly to give it the right texture.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Let the bread soak up the dressing and flavours from the vegetables.
- Serve Immediately: Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil is best enjoyed fresh, as the bread can become too soggy if left for too long.
VARIATIONS
- Add Olives: Add a handful of Kalamata olives for a briny twist to this classic salad.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle crumbled feta or mozzarella for a creamier texture and richer flavour.
- Extra Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers or radishes for more crunch and colour in the salad.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. The bread may soften, but the flavours will still be delicious.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Italian Panzanella Salad With Tomato And Basil because the bread will lose its texture when thawed.