Summer Panzanella Bread Salad
This is my summertime version of the classic Italian Panzanella Salad. I've added fresh slices of juicy peaches that add another layer of freshness and sweetness. Once you try it, I promise it will become your "go-to summer salad" too!
Print
Pin
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 vine tomatoes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1-2 fresh peach
- 1/4 English cucumber
- 1/2 baguette
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cut the baguette into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss the cubes with extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper.
- Bake them in a 350° oven for 10 minutes until they are crispy. Remove them from the oven and let them cool at room temperature.
- Dice the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces that are similar in size to the bread cubes.
- Chiffonade 8 large basil leaves. Save some of the basil leaves to garnish the salad when you plate it.
- Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.
- Place all of the ingredients into a large bowl and toss them together.
- To serve, spoon the salad onto a large platter, slice the fresh peach and nestle slices into the salad and garnish it with small fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Select Ripe Peaches: Choose ripe and juicy peaches for the best flavor. Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma.
- Quality Bread: Opt for high-quality, rustic bread like ciabatta or sourdough. Day-old bread works well. It will absorb the flavors without becoming too soggy.
- Perfectly Ripened Tomatoes: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes to enhance the salad's juiciness. Consider heirloom or cherry tomatoes for added color and variety.
- Balanced Dressing: Prepare a simple vinaigrette using extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Ensure a well-balanced dressing to complement the sweetness of the peaches.
- Toast the Bread Cubes: Toast the bread cubes in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil until golden brown and crisp. This adds a delightful crunch to the salad and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Mix Ingredients Just Before Serving: Combine the ingredients right before serving to maintain the bread's texture. This ensures that the salad remains fresh, and the flavors are at their peak.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil or mint for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Chopped herbs contribute to the overall freshness of the salad.
- Experiment with Cheese: Consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element that complements the sweet and savory components of the salad.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving. This enhances the flavors and ensures that the ingredients are not overly chilled.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the salad based on personal preferences. Adjust the sweetness, and acidity, or add extra ingredients like arugula for a peppery kick.