Tuscan Bread Salad Recipe 🥗
Overview:
Tuscan Bread Salad, also known as Panzanella, is a delightful dish that combines the rustic charm of day-old bread with the freshness of vegetables and a zesty dressing. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, this recipe is a celebration of Italian flavors and can be customized with your favorite dressing. Let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering salad!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Garlic cloves |
| 1 | Large tomatoes |
| 2 | Cups cannellini beans |
| 1 | Green bell pepper |
| 1 | Bunch fresh basil |
| 1/4 | Cup red wine vinegar |
| 4 1/2 | Teaspoons Dijon mustard |
| 1 | Cup extra virgin olive oil |
| 3 | Cups vegetable broth |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | |
| Day-old bread slices |
Instructions:
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Preheat broiler: Set your oven’s broiler to high heat.
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Toast bread slices: Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
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Rub with garlic: Remove the toasted bread slices from the oven and rub each slice with a garlic clove. This infuses the bread with a subtle garlic flavor.
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Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing adds a tangy kick to the salad.
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Cube bread slices: Cut the toasted bread slices into small cubes and transfer them to a large serving bowl. This forms the base of your salad and provides a satisfying crunch.
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Prepare vegetables: Dice the tomatoes, chop the green bell pepper, and tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Rinse the cannellini beans under cold water to remove any excess brine.
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Assemble salad: Add the diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, torn basil leaves, and cannellini beans to the bowl with the cubed bread. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
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Pour dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated evenly. The combination of olive oil and vinegar adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Let rest: Allow the salad to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and for the bread to soak up the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
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Serve: Once the salad has rested, serve it immediately as a light and refreshing meal or snack. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors with every bite!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 310.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 11.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 141.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 40.8g
- Fiber Content: 8.5g
- Sugar Content: 2.9g
- Protein Content: 13g
Serving Suggestions:
Tuscan Bread Salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing Italian soda. For added protein, you can top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. Serve it alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a satisfying and balanced meal. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🥂
