Summer Italian Panzanella Salad with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Recipe Collection: Salads

Summer Italian Panzanella Salad with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Vinaigrette elevates your summer meals with a vibrant vegetarian dish bursting with fresh flavors. This gluten-free recipe features juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, it’s a fantastic way to utilize stale bread while enjoying the essence of Italian cuisine.

Easily accessible through the easyChef Pro App, this recipe is part of a collection that offers personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and smart shopping lists for budget-friendly meal planning. Select this recipe, organize your ingredients, and follow our step-by-step guide to create a refreshing salad today!

Overview

This Rustic Italian Panzanella is a vibrant and refreshing salad that captures the essence of summer with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Perfect for using up stale bread, this dish combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of the season.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Gluten

Cuisine

Italian

Serving Size: 4

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Clove garlic, peeled
• 1 Pound (lb) loaf Italian bread, torn
• 2 Cups fresh basil
• 1 Cup tomatoes, minced
• 1 Cup cucumber, peeled
• 1 Cup red onion, minced
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) fresh thyme, minced
• 1 Clove garlic, minced
• 0.25 Cups (cup) olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) balsamic vinegar

Steps

1. Prepare the Salad Bowl: Rub the peeled garlic clove around the inside of a large wooden salad bowl to infuse it with a subtle garlic aroma.
2. Prepare the Bread: Tear or cut the Italian bread into bite-sized pieces. If the bread is too fresh, toast it lightly until it reaches a crouton-like texture.
3. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared salad bowl, combine the bread pieces, basil, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, thyme, and minced garlic.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste. Enjoy your refreshing Rustic Italian Panzanella!

Enjoy your homemade Summer Italian Panzanella Salad with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Vinaigrette!