Greek Panzanella: A Refreshing Salad Delight
Greek Panzanella is a vibrant salad that beautifully showcases the flavors of Greek cuisine. This dish features a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together by crusty bread. It’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light, refreshing dinner option.
Key Components
Stale Bread: Use crusty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or a rustic country loaf, torn into bite-sized pieces. This bread will soak up the dressing while maintaining its texture.
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are essential for flavor. Heirloom or cherry tomatoes work wonderfully, providing sweetness and acidity.
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add a crisp texture and refreshing taste. Persian cucumbers are a great choice for their thin skin and mild flavor.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) add color, sweetness, and crunch to the salad.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta introduces a salty, creamy element that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
Kalamata Olives: These briny olives add depth and a distinct flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Dill, oregano, and parsley contribute freshness and aroma that tie the salad together.
Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar: A good quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar are used for dressing, adding richness and brightness.
Preparation Steps
Simple Recipe
Prepare the Bread: Tear the stale bread into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it in the oven until golden and crisp.
Soak the Bread: Place the torn bread in a bowl of water for a few minutes. Drain and gently squeeze out excess moisture, ensuring the bread is softened but not soggy.
Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion.
Add Olives and Cheese: Toss in Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. The olives should be pitted, and you can either leave them whole or slice them in half.
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