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Panzanella salad in a serving bowl with a jar of dressing and a spoon.
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Simple Panzanella Salad

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Servings: 7
Calories: 442kcal
Author: Teri & Jenny

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

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