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–+ servings

Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella

Sally Thompson
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

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: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 11gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 410mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword classic panzanella with mozzarella, easy salad recipe, fresh mozzarella salad, healthy dinner ideas, Italian salad, Mediterranean salad, quick lunch, summer salad, tomato bread salad
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