Mediterranean Panzanella Salad
This Mediterranean Panzanella Salad combines toasted bread, fresh vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, creating a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. Bursting with flavors from ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers, along with fragrant basil and tangy capers, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to savor seasonal produce. Enjoy it on its own or as a side to grilled meats for a vibrant meal.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for toasting bread)
French bread
1 small loaf (cut into 1-inch cubes) (about 6 cups)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for toasting bread)
firm ripe tomatoes
2 large (cut into 1-inch cubes)
English cucumber
1 (unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick)
red bell pepper
1 (seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes)
yellow bell pepper
1 (seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes)
red onion
1/2 (cut in half and thinly sliced)
basil leaves
20 large (coarsely chopped)
capers
3 tablespoons (drained)
garlic
1 teaspoon (finely minced)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon
champagne vinegar
3 tablespoons
olive oil
1/2 cup (for vinaigrette)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the cubed French bread along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook while tossing frequently for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Add more oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together 1/2 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of champagne vinegar, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper until well combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, chopped basil, and drained capers.
5
Add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl of vegetables and gently toss to combine everything.
6
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
7
For optimal flavor, let the salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Panzanella Salad?
It is a refreshing dish combining toasted bread, fresh vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, perfect for summer.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What type of bread is recommended for this salad?
A small loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, is best.
How much bread is needed for the recipe?
You will need approximately 6 cups of cubed French bread.
What type of vinegar is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of champagne vinegar.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
For optimal flavor, let the salad sit for about 30 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the Mediterranean Panzanella?
The salad includes tomatoes, English cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is identified as a vegan-friendly option.
What type of cucumber should I use?
Use one English cucumber that is unpeeled, seeded, and sliced.
Should I peel the cucumber for this recipe?
No, the recipe suggests keeping the English cucumber unpeeled.
How do I toast the bread cubes?
Sauté the bread in olive oil and salt over medium heat for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
What ingredients make up the vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of olive oil, champagne vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Does this recipe use fresh herbs?
Yes, it uses 20 large fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped.
What can I serve this salad with?
It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to grilled meats.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Use 2 large firm ripe tomatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
How should the red onion be sliced?
Cut the onion in half and then slice it thinly.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, but allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the ingredients meld.
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Add more olive oil if necessary while tossing the bread during the toasting process.
What is the desired texture for the bread?
The bread should be golden brown and crispy after cooking.
How much olive oil is used to toast the bread?
Use 3 tablespoons of olive oil for toasting.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The vinaigrette requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
What size should the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
Are there capers in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 tablespoons of drained capers.
What type of mustard is used?
The vinaigrette uses 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Is garlic used in the salad?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic is added to the vinaigrette.
What colors of bell peppers are used?
The recipe uses one red bell pepper and one yellow bell pepper.
How thick should the cucumber slices be?
The cucumber should be sliced about 1/2-inch thick.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is used both for toasting the bread and for the dressing.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is versatile and can be served as an easy side dish or a light main meal.
Why is this salad great for summer?
It is refreshing and uses seasonal produce like ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.