Panzanella Salad {Tomato and Bread Salad}

overhead Panzanella salad in bowl with fork

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Panzanella Salad {Tomato and Bread Salad}

This classic Panzanella is a must make tomato and bread salad! With crusty bread, fresh garden vegetables, and a simple light homemade vinaigrette dressing, it's the perfect summer recipe for backyard get-togethers or a casual family dinner at home.

Prep Time20

Rest30

Total Time50

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Panzanella, Panzanella Salad, tomato bread salad

Servings: to 8 as a side salad

Ingredients

For the Dressing

1 clove garlic , finely minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2-3 drops hot sauce (such as Tabasco)

For the Salad

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small loaf crusty French bread , cut into 3/4-inch cubes (6 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 & 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved crosswise
1 small hothouse cucumber (or Persian) , unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 yellow bell pepper , seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 small red onion , cut in 1/2 and thinly sliced
1/3 cup canned chickpeas , drained and rinsed
10 large basil leaves , coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 tablespoons capers , rinsed and drained

Instructions

For the vinaigrette dressing, whisk all the ingredients together. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan. Add the bread and salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned. Add more oil as needed.
In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, yellow pepper, red onion, chickpeas, basil, parsley, and capers. Add the bread cubes and toss with the vinaigrette until everything is coated. Season with salt and pepper.
Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature for the bread to soak up the dressing and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve, making sure each plate gets a little of everything, and enjoy!
{Note: For variations, additions, and helpful tips, please refer to the full article.)

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