Name: Sweet Pepper Panzanella Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups crusty bread, cubed; 2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Description

Sweet Pepper Panzanella Salad is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy sweet peppers, ripe cherry tomatoes, toasted crusty bread cubes, and fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy Dijon and red wine vinegar vinaigrette. This refreshing salad highlights fresh summer produce and is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Salad

3 cups crusty bread, cubed
2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves

Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Toast the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes until they are lightly crisp and golden brown.
Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced sweet peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves to create the salad base.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is emulsified and well combined.
Toss the salad: Add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl with the vegetables, then pour the dressing over all the ingredients. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the bread and vegetables with the dressing.
Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, giving the bread time to absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette for a moist and flavorful texture.

Notes

Use day-old artisan bread for the best texture and to prevent sogginess.
Add fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and richness.
This salad is best enjoyed the same day it is made to maintain the bread’s texture and freshness of the produce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian