Salad

Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad

Name: Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups day-old crusty bread, torn into 1-inch pieces; 3 ripe large tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

Panzanella is a traditional Italian salad, often enjoyed in the warmer months. It cleverly uses stale bread, transforming it into a delightful component soaked in juicy tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette. It's simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

4 cups day-old crusty bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
3 ripe large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Place the torn bread pieces in a large bowl. Add the chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced cucumber, and torn basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until well combined and the bread starts to absorb the juices.
Let the salad sit for at least 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soften.