Italiantomato Bread Salad
Discover the rustic charm of an Italian summer with this vibrant Italian Tomato Bread Salad, a fresh twist on the classic panzanella. Featuring sweet, juicy ripe tomatoes, chunks of day-old ciabatta or sourdough bread, and aromatic basil, this salad is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Tossed with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of red onion, each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Optional capers and creamy mozzarella balls lend an extra layer of complexity, making it a hearty yet refreshing dish ideal for warm-weather dining. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, this versatile salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a crowd-pleasing addition to your picnic or barbecue.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 4 cups day-old crusty bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)
- 0.25 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 small red onion
- 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cut the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized wedges. Place them in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out their juices.
Tear the day-old bread into chunky pieces (about 1-2 inches in size) and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Thinly slice the red onion and submerge the slices in a small bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness. Drain and add to the mixing bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the tomato and bread mixture. Toss everything gently to coat, allowing the bread to soak up the tomato juices and dressing.
Add the fresh basil leaves, torn into smaller pieces, to the salad along with the capers and mozzarella balls (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Let the salad rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Give the salad a final toss before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3892 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 133.7 g | 171% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.7 g | 214% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 170 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 9636 mg | 419% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 549.0 g | 200% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.8 g | 131% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.5 g | ||
| Protein | 142.8 g | 286% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1731 mg | 133% | |
| Iron | 24.9 mg | 138% | |
| Potassium | 2962 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
