Panzanella Salad
Our Panzanella Salad is a no-fuss, fresh way to enjoy the summer harvest, loaded with fresh veggies and a flavorful dressing for a fun take on the traditional bread salad.
Servings: 3
Calories: 442kcal
Ingredients
- 1 homemade crouton recipe
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (about 3 balls)
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 hothouse cucumber halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 1/2 bunch basil leaves
- 1/4 bunch mint leaves optional
- 1/2 balsamic vinaigrette recipe
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine croutons, tomatoes, and cucumber and toss together.
- Tear fresh mozzarella balls over salad and drizzle with half the vinaigrette. Toss together.
- Allow salad to sit for about 15 minutes. (this will allow the croutons sometime to absorb the vinaigrette and slightly soften).
- When ready to serve, drizzle salad with more vinaigrette and top with basil leaves and mint leaves (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
Prep Ahead Instructions
You can easily prep the ingredients for this salad ahead of time, so it comes together quickly when you're ready to serve and eat it.
Make the croutons up to a week ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
The dressing can also be made ahead of time, ideally 1-3 days ahead, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The tomatoes and cucumbers can also be chopped up to a day ahead of time and stored in separate containers in the refrigerator.
Can Panzanella Salad be Stored for Leftovers?
The key to perfect panzanella salad is letting it sit long enough for the bread or croutons to soften, but not so long that they become soggy. Its best eaten within 24 hours; after that, the bread may become too soft and soggy.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you plan to eat only part of the salad within the day, prepare the ingredients as noted above and combine just what you think you'll eat, saving the rest for the next day or two.
Nutrition
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