Rustic Italian Panzanella with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil

Name: Rustic Italian Panzanella with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Salad
Ingredients: Day-old rustic Italian bread; Heirloom tomatoes; Small red onion; Cucumber; Pitted black olives; Extra-virgin olive oil; Red wine vinegar; Garlic; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Fresh basil leaves; Parmesan shavings

A refreshing Tuscan bread salad with vibrant heirloom tomatoes

This classic Italian salad makes the most of ripe, juicy tomatoes and day-old bread soaked in a tangy vinaigrette, bursting with fresh flavors of basil and olives.

30 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Salad

Day-old rustic Italian bread

4 cups, torn into bite-size pieces

Heirloom tomatoes

3 cups, chopped into various sizes

Small red onion

Thinly sliced

Cucumber

1 cup, halved and sliced

Pitted black olives

1/2 cup, sliced

For the Dressing

Extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup

Red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons

Garlic

1 clove, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To taste

For the Garnish

Fresh basil leaves

Torn

Parmesan shavings

Optional

Preparation

Marinating the Bread and Vegetables

Combine bread and vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the bread pieces with the chopped heirloom tomatoes, sliced onion, sliced cucumber, and olives.

Whisk dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Toss salad

Pour the dressing over the bread and vegetable mixture, tossing until evenly coated.

Preparing the Garnish

Tear basil leaves

Tear fresh basil leaves and set aside for garnish.

Prepare parmesan

Prepare parmesan shavings if desired for a creamy touch.

Let salad rest

Allow the salad to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the bread soak up flavors.

Ensure the bread soaks enough to absorb the dressing but doesn't become too mushy. Add a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat.

Cooking Process

Bread Soaking

Allow the bread to soak in the dressing for optimal flavor absorption.

Flavors Marinating

Let the salad sit to enable flavors to meld perfectly.

Plating & Serving