Best 4 Tuscan Panzanella Recipes

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## Tuscan Panzanella: A Refreshing Summer Salad

Tuscan panzanella is a classic Italian salad that combines fresh, summer vegetables with crusty bread, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Originating in the region of Tuscany, Italy, panzanella is a versatile salad that can be tailored to your own preferences.

The traditional recipe includes tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and basil, dressed with a simple vinaigrette. However, you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or olives. The bread is typically stale or day-old, which helps it to soak up the dressing and become soft and flavorful.

Panzanella is a great salad to serve as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic. It is also a good way to use up leftover bread and vegetables. This article offers three variations of the classic panzanella recipe:

1. **Traditional Tuscan Panzanella**: This recipe follows the classic Tuscan tradition, using tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and basil. Dressed with a simple vinaigrette, this salad is the epitome of simplicity and freshness.

2. **Panzanella with Grilled Vegetables**: This variation adds grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and corn, to the salad. The grilled vegetables add a smoky, charred flavor that complements the fresh vegetables and bread.

3. **Panzanella with Tuna**: This recipe adds tuna to the salad for a heartier and more protein-packed meal. The tuna is flaked and mixed with the vegetables, bread, and dressing.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TUSCAN PANZANELLA



Tuscan Panzanella image

You say bread salad, the Tuscans say panzanella. Mix up the typical salad with this outdoor-friendly Italian party-pleaser.

Provided by Chateau Ste Michelle

Categories     Salad

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ large loaf rustic Italian bread
6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 large cucumber - peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 bulb fennel, chopped
1 yellow pepper - seeded, ribs removed, and chopped
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
12 leaves fresh basil, torn, or more to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Tear, chop, or crumble bread into small pieces and place into a large bowl. Add all the chopped vegetables and mix with the bread. Add vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and basil leaves. Toss thoroughly and season with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427.6 calories, Carbohydrate 34.4 g, Fat 30.1 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 335 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

TUSCAN PANZANELLA



Tuscan Panzanella image

This traditional Tuscan Panzanella summer salad is a mix of bright flavors and textures-tomatoes, bocconcini, red onion, basil, and crusty bread.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 9

9 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound crusty Italian country bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
3 garlic cloves, 1 halved and 2 minced
1 pound cherry tomatoes (3 cups), halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls), halved
10 to 15 basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus whole leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high. (Alternatively, heat a grill pan over mediumhigh heat until hot.) Using 3 tablespoons of oil, brush bread slices on both sides.
  • Grill bread slices, turning once, until toasted on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Rub both sides with halved garlic. Tear into bite-size pieces.
  • Toss bread, tomatoes, onion, bocconcini, and sliced basil in a serving bowl.
  • Whisk together vinegar and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisking constantly, pour in remaining 6 tablespoons oil in a slow, steady stream, and whisk until emulsified. Pour over salad. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature, tossing occasionally, 1 hour. Garnish with whole basil leaves.

TUSCAN PANZANELLA



Tuscan Panzanella image

Provided by Rick Tramonto

Categories     Salad     Cheese     Garlic     Olive     Onion     Pepper     Tomato     Vegetable     Side     Quick & Easy     Lunch     Parmesan     Lemon     Basil     Fennel     Cucumber     Bell Pepper     Summer     Capers     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Diabetes-Friendly

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 cups torn pieces of sourdough or rustic peasant bread, 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon drained capers
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
5 assorted ripe heirloom tomatoes, halved or quartered, depending on size and shape
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced, fronds reserved
1/2 cup pitted and halved Niçoise olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  • 2. In a bowl, toss the bread with the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until slightly crisp. (The pieces should not be as crispy as croutons.) Alternatively, spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry, uncovered, for about 24 hours.
  • 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, capers, zest, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisking constantly, add the extra virgin olive oil in a stream until well incorporated.
  • 4. Add the onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, fennel, and olives and toss with the vinaigrette. Adjust the salt and pepper.
  • 5. Tear the fennel fronds and add them to the bowl along with the basil and bread. Toss to coat. Set aside for 20 minutes.
  • 6. Divide the salad among 4 plates. Garnish each plate with shaved cheese and serve. If you prefer a moister salad, drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil.

TUSCAN PANZANELLA SALAD



Tuscan Panzanella Salad image

This is a little different than the traditional Italian bread salad because it uses croûtons instead of bread. I really love all of the ingredients in this!

Provided by Karen..

Categories     Greens

Time 15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (10 ounce) bag mixed salad greens (romaine and leaf lettuce mix)
1 (19 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (white kidney beans)
2 cups large croutons
1 cup grape tomatoes
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olive, cut in half
1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional) or romano cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • In large bowl, mix all ingredients except vinaigrette.
  • Add vinaigrette; toss until coated.
  • Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese.

Tips:

  • Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the dressing better and holds its shape in the salad.
  • Cut the bread into small cubes: This will help the bread to evenly absorb the dressing.
  • Toast the bread cubes: Toasting the bread cubes will add a nice flavor and texture to the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and nutrition to the salad.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve the salad immediately: Panzanella is best served fresh, so don't let it sit for too long before eating.

Conclusion:

Tuscan panzanella is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer. It is made with stale bread, a variety of vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. Panzanella is a great way to use up leftover bread and vegetables, and it is also a healthy and flavorful meal.

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