Lunch

Tuscan Panzanella Salad

Salads are good for you, period. If there is one thing that you can do to make a huge difference in your eating habit, that would be to add salad to your diet. Trust me, it can pay off with plenty of health benefits.

According to studies, eating salad every day is directly linked to higher nutrient levels. Now, with a healthy choice of salad dressing, you should be able to increase the absorption of some key nutrients being consumed.

Bottom line is, it all depends on what kind of salad and salad dressing you incorporate into your daily diet. If you opt for healthy salads like this Tuscan Panzanella Salad, you can be sure that you will get a lot of vitamins and minerals. It is the perfect lunch!

Panzanella is one of the most famous dishes in Tuscan, especially during the summertime. It is quick and easy to make. If you have some ripe tomatoes, French bread or boule (day-old bread will work just fine too), cucumber, and some bell peppers, then you are in for a real treat!

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Tuscan Panzanella Salad


  • Author: Myles
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

This Tuscan Panzanella salad is sure to become your instant favorite. With crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, and some vegetables, not to mention the best homemade vinaigrette, the flavors are truly delightful. It is the perfect addition to your lunch or dinner meal. You can eat it on its own as well if you want something light.


Ingredients

Scale

3 tbsp. olive oil (good quality)

1 small French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, about 6 cups)

1 tsp. kosher salt

2 large ripe tomatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes)

1 cucumber (unpeeled, seeded, sliced about 1/2-inch thick)

1 red bell pepper (seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes)

1 yellow bell pepper (seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes)

1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)

About 20 large basil leaves (coarsely chopped)

3 tbsp. capers (drained)

Vinaigrette:

1 tsp. finely minced garlic

1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

3 tbsp. Champagne vinegar

1/2 c. olive oil (good quality)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper


Instructions

  1. In a large sauté pan, heat the oil and then add the bread and salt.
  2. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or until nicely browned. Toss frequently. Add more oil if needed.
  3. Mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, basil, capers, and red onion in a large bowl.
  4. Add the bread cubes and the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

***To make the vinaigrette, simply whisk all the ingredients together.

Notes

  • It is highly recommended that you allow the salad to sit for about 30 minutes. This should let the flavors blend.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

It is truly amazing how a simple combination of toasted bread, tomatoes, onions, and fresh basil with the best homemade vinaigrette results in a wonderful salad. You can have it on its own for lunch or dinner. Or, you can also have it as a side dish. I promise you, every bite is mouthwatering and delicious. This would be your favorite!

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