Classic Tuscan Panzanella Salad

Makes 6 Servings
Recipe - Chef Laura Ceccherini Villa Le Corti Cucina, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Italy
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Ingredients

  • 1 medium red onion
  • 6-8 roma tomatoes
  • 1 seedless cucumber
  • ½ loaf of crusty ciabatta or rustic sourdough bread, day old
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) white wine vinegar 
  • 2 cups (480ml) cold water
  • kosher salt
  • ½ cup packed basil leaves, roughly chopped

Method

In a medium bowl add 1 cup (240ml) of white wine vinegar. Remove the outer skin of the red onion and discard.  Slice the onion into thin slices and place in bowl of vinegar. Set aside and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Wash tomatoes in a colander and set over a bowl to drain.  Wash lettuce, drain, dry and cut or tear into bite-size pieces and place on a large platter or bowl. Peel cucumber and cut into bite-sized pieces placing on salad greens. Next, cut the roma tomatoes into bite sized pieces and add to the platter.  Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of water.  Tear large pieces from the loaf of bread and soak in the bowl of water for 15 seconds.  Remove and squeeze all the water out.  Using your hands crumble over the platter.  Repeat until all bread is used.  

Drain the onions and add to the platter.  Top with basil leaves.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Toss salad with your hands to combine, seasoning, with additional oil and salt if required.  Set aside at room temperature and serve with the meal. 

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