Description
Fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is the perfect easy recipe for warm days, quick lunches, light dinners, and summer gatherings. Crispy toasted bread cubes soak up juicy tomatoes, tangy dressing, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a refreshing Italian-inspired dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Whether you need healthy dinner ideas, fresh food ideas, or an easy side dish for entertaining, this vibrant salad delivers delicious texture and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
4 cups crusty Italian bread, cubed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and toast for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. While the bread is toasting, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and place them into a large mixing bowl.
3. Drain the mozzarella pearls well and add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
4. Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand and add them to the salad mixture.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Add the toasted bread cubes to the salad bowl and pour the dressing evenly over the top.
7. Gently toss everything together until the bread is lightly coated and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
8. Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread can absorb the juices and dressing.
9. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for the best texture and to prevent sogginess.
Letting the salad rest before serving helps the bread absorb more flavor from the tomatoes and dressing.
Add fresh basil just before serving to keep its flavor bright and aromatic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: classic panzanella with mozzarella, Italian salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, healthy dinner ideas, quick lunch, Mediterranean salad, fresh mozzarella salad, tomato bread salad