Dive into the bold flavors of our Calabrian Pesto Panzanella Salad, a rustic Italian dish that combines crusty French bread with juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a spicy Calabrian pesto olive oil vinaigrette. Accented with torn basil and a splash of your favorite balsamic, this salad marries simplicity with gourmet flair, making it a perfect side dish or light meal to enjoy at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups crusty French bread - torn into 1” pieces
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes - cut into 1” cubes
- 8 oz. mozzarella fresca - cut or torn into 1” pieces (optional)
- 1/3 cup Spicy Calabrian Pesto Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Oregano White Balsamic, Traditional Balsamic, or your favourite vinegar
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions:
In a bowl large enough to hold the tomatoes and cheese, combine the vinegar with salt and whisk to combine. Add the Olive Oil and whisk to make a simple vinaigrette. Add the tomatoes and cheese, turning to coat thoroughly with the vinaigrette. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
To plate, in a large bowl, add the torn bread to the tomatoes and cheese along with all the accumulated liquid from the marinade. Add torn basil and adjust seasoning with fresh ground pepper to taste and additional salt if necessary. Gently toss until the bread is just moistened. Serve at room temperature.