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watercolor painting of panzanella salad

Simple Panzanella Salad Recipe

Katy Hoyng, MS, RDN, LD, SNS
This simple panzanella salad is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy ripe summer produce. Crisp ciabatta cubes are toasted to golden perfection, then tossed with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and thinly sliced onion. A light dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs ties everything together for a bright, flavorful salad. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish for grilled favorites!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Entrées
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 475 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Parchment Paper Baking Sheets
  • 1 Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz ciabatta cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 4 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 8 oz mozzarella balls
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp. dijon mustard
  • 1 English cucumber thinly sliced
  • freeze dried parsley
  • freeze dried basil
  • freeze dried chives

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the cubed ciabatta on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 Tbs. olive oil and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt. Bake until the bread is dry and golden at the edges, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the dressing and salad. In a large bowl, mix the vinegar and mustard. Slowly drizzle in the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil. Add remaining 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and a dash each of dried parsley, dried basil, and dried chives.
  • Add the mozzarella, onions, and cucumbers, and toss to coat.
  • When the bread is toasted, add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss to coat again. Let sit for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use any combination of herbs that you have on hand.
Keyword bread salad recipe, classic Italian recipe, easy panzanella, fresh mozzarella recipe, healthy salad recipe, homemade croutons, Italian salad, light summer meal, Mediterranean food, no-lettuce salad, panzanella salad, simple side dish, summer salad, tomato cucumber salad