Description
Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is the kind of fresh, vibrant dish that makes you excited to sit down and eat. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy mozzarella, toasted bread, and basil tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, this easy recipe brings together everything people love about a quick lunch, healthy snack, easy dinner, and fresh food ideas all in one bowl. It is simple, colorful, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking for easy recipe inspiration, summer salad recipes, breakfast ideas for brunch spreads, or light dinner ideas with bold Italian flavor.
Ingredients
4 cups day-old rustic bread, cut into cubes
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, chopped
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or chopped fresh mozzarella
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
2. Toast the bread for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crisp, then let it cool slightly.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to a large mixing bowl.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the toasted bread and mozzarella to the bowl with the vegetables.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Fold in the fresh basil.
8. Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the bread can absorb the dressing and tomato juices.
Notes
Do not overdress the salad too far in advance, or the bread can turn overly soft instead of pleasantly tender and chewy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toasted and Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg