Description
Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is a bright, easy recipe packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, golden toasted bread, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. This quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack-style salad, and fresh summer food idea brings Italian-inspired flavor to the table with simple ingredients and a tangy homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients
4 cups rustic bread, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil for toasting
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and toast in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp around the edges.
2. Add the tomatoes to a large bowl with salt and let them rest for 10 minutes so they release their juices.
3. Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, black pepper, and any remaining salt.
4. Add cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, toasted bread, and dressing to the tomatoes.
5. Toss gently until everything is coated and the bread begins soaking up the tomato juices.
6. Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then finish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Do not toss the bread into the salad too early. Add it shortly before serving so it absorbs flavor while still keeping some crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella, panzanella salad, tomato bread salad, mozzarella salad, easy salad recipe, quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack, summer salad, Italian salad