Heirloom Tomato Panzanella is a rustic and vibrant Italian salad that celebrates the peak of summer with its bounty of fresh, colorful heirloom tomatoes. This dish is a delightful combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes, crusty bread cubes that soak up all the flavorful juices, and a mix of aromatic herbs like basil and parsley. Traditionally, panzanella includes onions and cucumbers for crunch and is dressed in a simple yet piquant vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, and sometimes a touch of garlic. This salad not only offers a medley of textures and flavors but also serves as a wonderful way to use day-old bread, transforming it into a dish that’s perfect for warm weather dining.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the bread:
- If the bread is not quite stale, toast the cubes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and crisp. This will help them absorb the dressing and tomato juices without becoming too soggy.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heirloom tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, basil, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
- Add the bread:
- Add the toasted bread cubes to the salad and toss gently. Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the bread to soak up the flavors.
- Serve:
- Give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while the bread has absorbed the dressing but still retains some crunch.
Heirloom Tomato Panzanella is not only a feast for the eyes with its array of vibrant colors but also a perfect dish for entertaining or a nourishing light meal. Each bite offers the sweet and tangy flavors of summer tomatoes enhanced by the robust textures of the soaked bread and fresh crispness of the vegetables. This salad truly encapsulates the essence of summer in every delicious forkful.
