Herbaceous Italian Caprese Panzanella with Basil Oil Drizzle

Name: Herbaceous Italian Caprese Panzanella with Basil Oil Drizzle
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Salad
Ingredients: Slightly stale ciabatta bread; Ripe tomatoes; Fresh mozzarella; Red onion; Fresh basil leaves; Extra-virgin olive oil; Packed fresh basil leaves; Garlic; Salt and pepper; Red wine vinegar; Dijon mustard; Sugar; Salt and pepper

A fresh twist on the classic Italian bread salad

This vibrant Italian salad showcases juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and toasted bread cubes, all harmoniously blended with a basil oil drizzle. It's a delightful dish that's as refreshing as it is satisfying.

45 minutes
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Salad

Slightly stale ciabatta bread

4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes

Ripe tomatoes

3 large, diced

Fresh mozzarella

8 oz, torn into bite-sized pieces

Red onion

1 small, thinly sliced

Fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup

For the Basil Oil Drizzle

Extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup

Packed fresh basil leaves

1 cup

Garlic

1 clove, minced

Salt and pepper

To taste

For the Dressing

Red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons

Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon

Sugar

1 pinch

Salt and pepper

To taste

Preparation

Preparing the Basil Oil Drizzle

Combine ingredients

In a blender, combine the olive oil, basil leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

If short on time, use store-bought basil pesto as a shortcut for the basil drizzle.

Blend until smooth

Blend until smooth and green.

Set aside

Set aside to allow flavors to infuse.

Preparing the Salad Base

Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toast bread cubes

Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Ensure the bread is thoroughly stale or toasted to avoid sogginess.

Combine salad ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh basil leaves.

Cooking Process

Basil Oil Drizzle Preparation

Blend and combine ingredients until smooth, then let sit for flavors to meld.

Bread Toasting

Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden.

Salad Assembly

Combine toasted bread with other salad ingredients and gently toss.

Plating & Serving