Savory Toasted Bread Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes
This vibrant and refreshing toasted Panzanella elevates traditional bread salad by combining the rustic charm of crispy, golden bread with the juicy freshness of heirloom tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and briny olives. Infused with fragrant garlic and fresh basil, each bite bursts with flavor. The salad benefits from resting, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify, making it the perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light weeknight dinner. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful medley of textures and tastes that get better with time.
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 small (cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups))
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced (about 1 tablespoon))
Fresh tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs (diced (about 3 1/2 cups))
Cucumber
1 medium (peeled, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup))
Red onion
1 small (thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup))
Green olives
1/4 cup (pitted and coarsely chopped)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (cut into thin ribbons)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Capers
2 teaspoons (drained and coarsely chopped)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (for balancing flavors)
Lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (for brightness)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
4
In a large serving bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green olives, and basil. Add the roasted bread cubes to the bowl.
5
Drizzle the sautéed garlic and olive oil mixture over the ingredients in the bowl. Add the red wine vinegar, capers, sugar, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated.
7
Allow the salad to sit for at least 20 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors develop and the bread absorb some of the juices.
8
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Toasted Bread Salad?
Also known as Panzanella, it is a vibrant salad that combines crispy toasted bread cubes with juicy heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and a garlic-infused dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients include French bread, olive oil, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green olives, fresh basil, and red wine vinegar.
How do I prepare the bread for the salad?
Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and bake them at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Why is the garlic sautéed in olive oil?
Sautéing the minced garlic in olive oil for about 2 minutes makes it fragrant and infuses the oil with flavor without the harsh bite of raw garlic.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While French bread is suggested, you can use other crusty breads like sourdough or ciabatta as long as they are toasted well.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
Is this Toasted Bread Salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
The salad should rest for at least 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to absorb the juices and the flavors to meld.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their diverse flavors and colors, but any high-quality ripe fresh tomatoes will work.
How do I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and diced into approximately 1-cup portions.
What does the lemon zest add to the dish?
The lemon zest provides a layer of brightness and acidity that enhances the fresh vegetable flavors.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the tomatoes.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 8.5 grams of fat per serving.
How should I cut the fresh basil?
The basil should be cut into thin ribbons, a technique also known as chiffonade.
Are capers necessary for this recipe?
Capers add a distinct briny and salty flavor, but they can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
Does this salad contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 3 grams of protein.
Is the onion cooked or raw?
The red onion is used raw and should be thinly sliced for a crisp, sharp bite.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
It is best served the same day. While it benefits from sitting for 20 minutes, storing it overnight may cause the bread to become too soggy.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Tags include salad, panzanella, summer recipe, heirloom tomatoes, healthy, and vegan.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting the bread?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 12 main ingredients.
Can I use black olives instead of green olives?
Yes, though green olives provide a specific briny flavor, black olives or Kalamata olives are excellent substitutes.
What makes this a 'summer recipe'?
It uses fresh, seasonal produce like heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil, and is served at room temperature.
How do I ensure the bread doesn't get too soft?
Toasting the bread until it is very crispy and golden brown ensures it maintains some structure even after absorbing the dressing.
Should the salad be refrigerated?
It is recommended to let it sit and serve it at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
Is there a recommended serving size?
The recipe details do not specify a serving size, but the nutritional information is based on standard portions.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, which is approximately 1 tablespoon when minced.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Gently toss all ingredients together and serve at room temperature, ideally as a light dinner or part of a summer gathering.