Description
Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is a fresh, colorful Italian bread salad packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, basil, and creamy mozzarella. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, healthy snack, light dinner idea, or summer side dish, and it brings together simple food ideas with bright flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
4 cups crusty bread, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the toasted bread to the bowl with the vegetables and cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
5. Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread can soak up some of the dressing and tomato juices.
6. Toss once more, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve fresh.
Notes
Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread well so it holds up better after dressing.
Let the salad rest briefly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
For the freshest result, assemble just before serving and store leftovers no longer than 1 day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baked and Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg