PANZANELLA BREAD SALAD RECIPE!

PANZANELLA – a traditional bread salad guaranteed to please even the hungriest crowd.
I’m forever amazed by the way PANZANELLA BREAD SALAD elicits compliments from anyone who tries it. It deserves that praise based on how it delivers both pleasing flavours and an appetizing presentation, plus the large amount it yields is perfect when you’re hosting a large group.

Here are a few things that contribute to its popularity.
THE BREAD – I always use day-old bread for the recipe, and in fact, leave it uncovered on the counter the night before. Doing so ensures the bread holds its shape when sliced. You can use a sourdough bread or experiment with others like Italian white or focaccia.

A TOAST – I remember watching a friend make this salad where she toasted the sliced bread in the oven to crisp it up. That method works, but I much prefer the look and flavour of the grilled bread. You can do this well in advance of making the salad too if time is of the essence.

THE TOMATOES – Much of the success of this recipe will come down to the type and quality of tomatoes you use. I find organic heirloom tomatoes work best, and if you can assemble a few differing colours, even better.

Very important – don’t miss the key step of salting the chopped tomatoes to release the flavours and to get the juices flowing.

THE TOSS – This may seem a bit odd, but I do think a staggered approach to tossing this salad has its merits. Tossing the bread with the cukes, peppers and herbs gets things mixed nicely. Tossing the tomatoes next gets them and their glorious juice well-distributed. The final toss with the dressing makes sure every morsel of the salad is perfectly flavoured. No need to get too crazy; a gentle toss for each step will do.

SERVICE – Although some folks suggest making the salad hours or a day before serving, I’m not a fan. I think letting it rest just 15 minutes after the final toss is the way to go.

When ready to serve, place the salad into a large bowl and give it a place of honour on a buffet or send it straight to table along with salad plates so that guests can enjoy from a side plate – very attractive.

Looking for other wonderful dishes that go with this PANZANELLA BREAD SALAD? Try our CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE, our GRILLED WHOLE MARINATED CHICKENor our ASIAN STYLE SALMON. Each and all pair perfectly with this delicious salad.

Try our PANZANELLA BREAD SALAD and break bread in grand style tonight!

For more great recipes and entertaining ideas, please visit:

www.weekendatthecottage.com

You can also find us as follows:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/weekendatthecottage/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/weekendatthecottage/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/WATCfood/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/weekendcottage/

THANKS FOR WATCHING!