Tuscan Bread & Cheese Salad
Panzanella: The Tuscan Bread and Cheese Salad That’s Pure Sunshine
Imagine a salad that’s not just refreshing, but also deeply flavorful and satisfying. That’s the magic of Panzanella, the classic Tuscan bread and cheese salad. This isn’t about delicate greens; it’s a hearty celebration of rustic bread, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all brought together by a bright and tangy vinaigrette.
Panzanella is more than just a salad; it’s a testament to resourceful cooking, transforming day-old bread into something truly extraordinary. As the bread soaks up the flavorful juices from the tomatoes and the dressing, it becomes wonderfully soft and infused with incredible taste. The creamy mozzarella adds a luxurious touch, while the fresh basil provides a burst of aromatic freshness. Perfect as a light lunch on a warm day, a vibrant side dish, or even a simple supper, Panzanella is a taste of the Tuscan countryside that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. Get ready to experience a salad that’s full of character and bursting with Mediterranean flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 loaf dense crusty bread, cubed and toasted in 400F oven until crusty
- 1 large ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 5 large tomatoes, diced small
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blend dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor.
- Mix all salad ingredients, except bread, until well combined.
- Just before serving, add toasted bread & enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to salt & pepper to taste. The toasted bread will soak up the vinaigrette and get soggy with time – so it is best to eat in one sitting. (Does NOT make good leftovers!)
- Add any other vegetables you’d like: avocado, sliced red onion, etc.
- Can add chicken to make it more of a meal if preferred.
Keywords: Side Dish, Salad, Croutons, Vegetables
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