Tuscan Bean and Bread Salad
This Tuscan Bean and Bread Salad, a variation of the classic Panzanella, is a hearty dish bursting with fresh flavors and textures. The rustic cubes of country bread absorb a tangy dressing while a colorful medley of ripe plum tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion offers vibrant freshness. Cannellini beans and provolone cheese boost the protein content, while fragrant torn basil leaves provide an aromatic finishing touch. Prepare it ahead of time to let the flavors meld, making it a perfect, fuss-free meal for any day of the week.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
olive oil
1/4 cup
cannellini beans
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) (rinsed and drained)
country bread
3 cups (large cubes (5 to 6 ounces))
plum tomatoes
1 lb (cut into small pieces)
English cucumber
1 (thinly sliced crosswise)
red onion
1/4 medium (very thinly sliced)
provolone cheese
4 ounces (diced)
fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (torn)
Instructions
1
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Season this mixture with salt and pepper according to taste to form a dressing.
2
Step 2: Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, large cubes of country bread, diced plum tomatoes, thin slices of English cucumber, very thin slices of red onion, and diced provolone cheese into the bowl with the dressing.
3
Step 3: Gently toss all the ingredients to ensure they are evenly coated in the dressing.
4
Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the bread to absorb the dressing.
5
Step 5: Just before serving, add the torn fresh basil leaves and stir gently to distribute them evenly throughout the salad. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Bean and Bread Salad?
It is a variation of the classic Italian Panzanella, featuring bread, cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of bread is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of country bread cut into large cubes.
Which beans are used in this Panzanella?
The recipe uses two 15.5-ounce cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained.
How long should the salad refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
What components make up the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of plum tomatoes, cut into small pieces.
Do I need to peel the English cucumber?
No, the recipe instructions suggest thinly slicing the English cucumber crosswise without mentioning peeling.
How should the red onion be prepared?
You should use 1/4 of a medium red onion and slice it very thinly.
What type of cheese is included in the salad?
The recipe includes 4 ounces of diced provolone cheese.
When should I add the fresh basil?
Add the torn fresh basil leaves just before serving and stir gently.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is intended to be served chilled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it 2 to 8 hours ahead is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
While it can be either, it is tagged as a main course because of the protein from beans and cheese.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the red wine vinegar and olive oil in a large mixing bowl.
How do I prepare the cannellini beans?
The beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
What is the purpose of the bread in this recipe?
The rustic cubes of country bread are designed to absorb the tangy red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, they are used to season the dressing mixture according to taste.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar for an authentic Tuscan flavor.
How is the provolone cheese cut?
The 4 ounces of provolone cheese should be diced into small pieces.
What is the preparation method for the basil?
The fresh basil leaves should be torn rather than chopped.
Is this dish suitable for a summer meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a summer salad and is perfect for warm weather.
What is the total weight of the bread needed?
You need approximately 5 to 6 ounces of country bread.
What should I cover the bowl with during refrigeration?
You should cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is this recipe related to Panzanella?
Yes, the description identifies it as a variation of the classic Panzanella salad.
What is the texture of the red onion in this dish?
Because the onion is sliced very thinly, it provides a subtle flavor and delicate texture.
How much fresh basil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of torn fresh basil leaves.