Panzanella w/ Mozzarella & Herbs
Tuscan bread salad originally published by the NYT – Melissa Clark
Leftover bread makes for a Panzanella (bread salad) for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 oz crusty bread, preferable stale. Cut into 1″ cubes – about 3 cups
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and more to taste
3⁄4 tsp kosher or sea salt
2 lbs ripe tomatoes – a mix of varieties and colors is best
6 oz fresh mozzarella torn or cut into bite sized pieces
1⁄2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 medium cucumber, peeled, sliced and cut into bite sized pieces
2 grated garlic cloves
2 tbsp red wine or balsamic vinegar, more to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1⁄2 tsp dijon mustard
black pepper to taste
add mixture of any preferred herbs -such as: capers, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, red pepper, basil, etc.
Directions
- Heat oven to 425ºF. Toss bread cubes with 2 tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for about 7-12 minutes till golden on the edges, turn if needed. Let cool
- Cut tomatoes into bite sized pieces and add with cucumbers to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic, 1 tbsp vinegar, herbs. Toss to coat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine the remaining vinegar, mustard, 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk mixture while drizzling in the remaining 4 tbsp of olive oil till slightly thickened.
- Add bread and tomato mixture together and toss well with more oil/vinegar if needed. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours before serving.
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