Panzanella Recipe

The cute name Panzanella comes from the Italian word “pan”, which means bread. Panzanella is loaded with bright flavors and fragrant herbs like mint and basil.

The ideal leftover dish, as it is made from 2-to-3-day-old bread.

Gluten-free bread will work perfectly here. The bread cubes soak up all the flavors, so it will get better as it sits a few hours. The dressing is identical to the dressing in Caesar’s salad, minus the anchovies, and even that could be included if you would like. I just love umami everything, so when I have an anchovy option, I’m always in!

Panzanella is versatile

You can easily build it up to a main course. It will lend itself perfectly to the addition of some white beans, shredded lettuce, kale leaves or spinach, roasted pepper, even diced cooked fish or sliced smoked salmon, even smoked turkey (in this case no cheese).

Ingredients

• 1 pound loaf whole grain bread, gluten-free ok, cut into small cubes
• 1 seedless cucumber, sliced very thin
• 1/2 medium red onion, sliced very thin
• 3 large tomatoes, or 6 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup nicoise or oil-cured olives
• 1/2 cup mint leaves, packed, cut in ribbons
• 1/2 cup basil leaves, packed, cut in ribbons
• 1 cup tiny cubes strong cheese, such as feta, cheddar or kashkeval

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons capers
• 1/2 bunch flat parsley, stems and leaves
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 large cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste (you might not need any salt at all: taste first)
• Optional: 6 anchovies, thoroughly rinsed

Instructions