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Simple Panzanella Salad

Panzenella Salad is for salad haters. It’s like the best possible case scenario for a salad. This year for my birthday, Jenny made me dinner. She had talked to me about side dishes, and then brought up the word “salad” and asked what kind I liked best. “Meh, I don’t like salad.” I said, and this is how I learned of Panzanella Salad.

The thing with salads is that to me, they will never be as face melting as pork belly sliders or poutine. So why should I waste stomach space on it? I know, I know, I should because it’s good for you. I know. I agree. Still doesn’t mean I like it, or am happy about eating it. I am happy about eating sandwiches, and since Panzanella Salad is basically a salad made of a sandwich, I think it’s the best salad ever.
♥ Teri

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Simple Panzanella Salad

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RECIPE BY Teri & Jenny
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 7

  INGREDIENTS  

croutons

  • 1 French baguette, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

salad

  • 6 ounces ciliegine (small mozzarella balls), patted dry and sliced in half
  • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 hot house cucumber, cubed

balsamic vinaigrette

  • ½ shallot, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • cup good quality balsamic vinegar
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

  INSTRUCTIONS  

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place cubed baguette into a large bowl and sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and oregano. Gently toss together.
  • Drizzle oil over bread mixture and season with salt and pepper. Toss together until fully combined.
  • Pour mixture onto a baking sheet, in single layer (you may need two baking sheets) and bake for about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. (It’s okay if the croutons are still slightly soft when you pull them from the oven, they’ll crisp up eve more once cooled).
  • Set aside and allow croutons to cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine croutons, mozzarella, tomatoes, and cucumber and toss together. Set aside.
  • For the vinaigrette: Place shallot, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic in a small bowl and whisk together. While whisking add oil, in a slow and steady drizzle, until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
  • About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, pour vinaigrette over salad and toss together until well coated.
  • Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

  NOTES  

  • **Note: Adding the vinaigrette to the salad prior to serving won’t make your croutons soggy! This will just allow the flavors of the salad to marry together before you
Calories: 442kcal Carbohydrates: 27g Protein: 8g Fat: 34g Saturated Fat: 6g Cholesterol: 9mg Sodium: 246mg Potassium: 198mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 7g Vitamin A: 214IU Vitamin C: 9mg Calcium: 139mg Iron: 2mg