Best 4 Tuscan Panzanella Recipes

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In the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills meet azure skies and culinary traditions run deep, lies a dish that embodies the essence of rustic charm and summer's bounty: Tuscan panzanella. This vibrant salad, a testament to Italy's love for simple yet flavorful fare, transforms humble ingredients into a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. With its origins tracing back to the cucina povera of peasant kitchens, panzanella has evolved over time into a culinary masterpiece, beloved by locals and visitors alike. As we embark on a journey to discover the best recipe for this Tuscan treasure, let us first delve into its captivating history and understand the culinary magic that makes it so irresistible.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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 will absorb the dressing better and hold its shape in the salad.
  • Cut the bread into small pieces: This will help the bread to absorb the dressing evenly.
  • Toast the bread: Toasting the bread will add a nice crunch to the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Panzanella is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Try using tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and zucchini.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what makes panzanella so delicious. Try using a vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
  • Let the salad rest: After you have assembled the salad, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Panzanella is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.

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