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    Tuscan Tomato & Crisp Bread Salad

    clock-icon75 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A vibrant and flavorful salad made with ripe tomatoes, crisp bread, and a delicious dressing.

    Ingredients for Tuscan Tomato & Crisp Bread Salad

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Mixed Ripe Tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ciabatta Or Rustic Sourdough Bread, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Small Shallot, minced

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Medium Cloves Garlic, minced

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dijon Mustard

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    White Wine Vinegar Or Red Wine Vinegar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Basil, roughly chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Tuscan Tomato & Crisp Bread Salad

    1. Drain Tomatoes

    Place chopped tomatoes in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let sit for at least 15 minutes. This will drain excess moisture from the tomatoes, concentrating their flavor.

    2. Preheat Oven

    Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) with the rack positioned in the center.

    3. Prepare Bread Cubes

    Toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, until crisp and firm but not browned.

    4. Prepare Dressing

    Remove colander with tomatoes and set aside. Take the bowl with tomato juice and add minced shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Whisk until well combined.

    5. Emulsify Dressing

    While whisking, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

    6. Combine Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, drained tomatoes, and the dressing. Add chopped basil leaves and toss until bread is well coated. Let rest for about 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.

    Variations

    Mediterranean Twist

    Swap tomatoes for roasted red peppers and add cucumbers, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella and throw in some Kalamata olives, dress with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a Greek-inspired version.

    Tomato Twists

    Mix up the types of tomatoes you use. Heirloom varieties come in a range of flavors, sizes, and colors and can add a beautiful visual component as well as taste. Consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a chewy texture and intense flavor.

    Protein-Enhanced Panzanella

    Add chunks of fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese, incorporate flaked tuna, anchovies, or sardines for an umami punch, or mix in shredded roast chicken or sliced grilled steak for a heartier meal.

    Seasonal Vegetable Panzanella

    In the fall, add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin, for a spring version, include asparagus, peas, and radishes, during summer, toss in grilled corn, zucchini, and bell peppers.

    Bread Variations

    Swap traditional crusty Italian bread for other types like whole grain, sourdough, or ciabatta with olives or rosemary baked in. This will infuse the salad with different flavors and textures.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Use Quality Ingredients

    Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and a rustic, hearty bread like ciabatta or sourdough that holds up well when mixed with other ingredients.

    Bread Selection and Preparation

    Opt for a day-old sturdy bread, cut or tear into bite-sized chunks and toast them lightly to enhance texture and flavor before adding to the salad.

    Season Well

    Ensure the salad is well-seasoned with salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes and contribute to the dressing.

    Add Fresh Basil

    Tear fresh basil leaves gently and add them just before serving to preserve color and flavor, complementing the tomatoes beautifully.

    Marinate

    Allow the salad to sit before serving to let flavors meld together and the bread to soak up dressing, but not too long to avoid soggy bread – 30 minutes is a good sweet spot.


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