Ingredients
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4-5 cups / cut into bite-sized cubes Stale Italian or rustic breadFor the Salad
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4-5 / cut into chunks Ripe tomatoesFor the Salad
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1 / thinly sliced Red OnionFor the Salad
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1 / sliced CucumberFor the Salad
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1 / (red or yellow), diced Bell pepperFor the Salad
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1/2 cup / pitted and sliced Kalamata olivesFor the Salad
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1/4 cup / torn into pieces Fresh basil leavesFor the Salad
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2-3 cloves / minced GarlicFor the Salad
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteFor the Salad
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1/2 cup Extra-virgin olive oilFor the Dressing
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1/4 cup Red wine vinegarFor the Dressing
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1 teaspoon (optional) Dijon mustardFor the Dressing
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1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity) Honey or sugarFor the Dressing
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteFor the Dressing
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle them with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Toss them to coat evenly and then toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Make sure not to burn them. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, sliced onion, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, and torn basil leaves.
- Once the toasted bread cubes have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), honey or sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated.
- Let the Panzanella salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors of the dressing and the juices from the tomatoes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve your Panzanella salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a great standalone dish for a light and refreshing meal.
Feel free to customize your Panzanella salad with additional ingredients like capers, roasted red peppers, or mozzarella cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your homemade Panzanella salad!
