Starring the produce of the season, this panzanella salad offers full yet fresh flavors. Tomatoes act as the base, giving a sweet taste. Cucumber and shallot add freshness while a homemade vinaigrette soaks into the crusty bread. Great for a side or a light meal, this classic is perfect for summer.
6cups1-inch cubed crusty bread (sourdough or French country boule)
2tbspextra virgin olive oil
1tspkosher salt
½tspfreshly ground black pepper
½cupthinly sliced shallot
2lb (about 3-4)ripe tomatoescut into wedges
1hothouse cucumbersliced and cut into half-moons
6ozfresh mozzarella cheesecut into ½-inch cubes
½cupfresh basil leaves
For the vinaigrette
2clovesgarlicminced
1tbspcapersdrained and roughly chopped
½tspkosher salt
½tspfreshly ground black pepper
¼tspred pepper flakes
1tbspDijon mustard
1tsphoney
3tbspred wine vinegar
½cupextra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the bread. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Toast in the preheated oven until the cubes are golden and slightly crisp, 8-12 minutes.
6 cups 1-inch cubed crusty bread (sourdough or French country boule), 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Make the vinaigrette. In a bowl, combine and whisk the garlic, capers, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp capers, ½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Prepare the salad. Place the prepared bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, shallot, and mozzarella cheese on a platter or bowl and mix them together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad then tear the leaves of basil on top. Serve immediately.
2 lb (about 3-4) ripe tomatoes, 1 hothouse cucumber, 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, ½ cup fresh basil leaves, ½ cup thinly sliced shallot