Description

This Panzanella Salad features crusty bread, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh mozzarella, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. It’s a quick and refreshing meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day old works best)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, chopped
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or chopped mozzarella)
¼ cup fresh basil, torn
2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting bread)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss to coat and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
While the bread is toasting, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber, slice the red onion, and tear the fresh basil. If using large mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, taking care not to overmix the ingredients.
Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the bread to absorb the dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Day-old bread works best for this recipe to give the salad a hearty texture.
Feel free to add other ingredients such as bell peppers or olives for extra flavor.
The salad can be made a little ahead of time, just be sure the bread retains its texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg