Whole Grain Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad) Recipe

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3 votes | 4591 views

This Italian peasant dish is most often no more than stale bread, tomatoes, and olive oil, but I like adding a little something crunchy and green. It's also a good vehicle for leftover grilled vegetables--like eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms--or for hard boiled eggs or anchovies. When tomatoes aren't in season, try the dried fruit variation below it.

Prep time:
Cook time:
Servings: 4
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Ingredients

Cost per serving $2.00 view details
  • 8 ounces whole grain bread (4 thick slices, stale is fine)
  • 4 celery stalks or 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 400 F. Put the bread on a baking sheet and toast, turning once or twice, until golden and dry, about 10-20 minute, depending on the thickness of the slices. Remove from the oven and cool.
  2. Put the celery, oil, vinegar, tomatoes, and onion in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with salt and lots of pepper and toss to coat.
  3. Fill a large bowl with tap water and soak the bread for about 3 minutes. Gently squeeze the slices dry, then crumble them into the salad bowl. Toss well to combine and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes (or up to an hour). Right before serving, taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and toss with the basil.
  4. WHOLE GRAIN BREAD SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT
  5. Omit the tomatoes and basil and substitute 2 medium shallots for the onion. In Step 2, toss the celery or fennel and dressing with 1 cup chopped dried fruit (figs, dates, apricots, cherries, cranberries or raisins are all good) and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage. Garnish with toasted hazelnuts or almonds.

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Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving %DV
Serving Size 265g
Recipe makes 4 servings
Calories 323  
Calories from Fat 153 47%
Total Fat 17.26g 22%
Saturated Fat 2.82g 11%
Trans Fat 0.0g  
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Sodium 302mg 13%
Potassium 505mg 14%
Total Carbs 36.21g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g 12%
Sugars 7.34g 5%
Protein 7.08g 11%
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Reviews

  • John Spottiswood
    This is a fun and tasty salad. I love the contrast of the soft texture of the bread against the crunchiness of the onion and celery. I would rate this 4 hearts based on my rendition, but I made it with winter tomatoes and without the fresh basil (the basil in the store looked terrible) and it was still a solid 4. I'm sure with ripe summer tomatoes and fresh basil that this salad is spectacular!
    I've cooked/tasted this recipe!

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