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Fresh Light Summer Tomato Cucumber Panzanella Salad

fresh light summer tomato cucumber panzanella salad - featured image
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A crisp, refreshing salad featuring ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and rustic bread soaked in a tangy olive oil and vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light, healthy summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into half-moons
  • 4 cups rustic bread, torn into bite-sized pieces (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Tear the rustic bread into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups). Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Toss gently to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly but not get soggy.
  2. While the bread soaks, chop the tomatoes into medium chunks and slice the cucumber into half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion and rinse it under cold water if you prefer a milder bite. Drain well.
  3. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning; it should be bright and tangy.
  4. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and torn basil leaves to the bowl with the soaked bread. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly. The bread should absorb the dressing and juices from the veggies, becoming tender but still holding shape.
  5. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If bread feels too dry after soaking, add a splash more olive oil or vinegar. If too soggy, use less dressing or add bread last minute. For gluten-free, substitute rustic bread with gluten-free crusty bread. Fresh basil can be swapped with fresh mint, parsley, or oregano. Letting the salad rest before serving enhances flavor. Optional additions include mozzarella, feta, pine nuts, chickpeas, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: panzanella, tomato cucumber salad, summer salad, healthy salad, rustic bread salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/fresh-light-summer-tomato-cucumber-panzanella-salad-recipe-for-easy-healthy-meals/