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BLT Panzanella Recipe

BLT Panzanella

BLT Panzanella is a refreshing Italian bread salad with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Hello, friend! Get ready to experience a taste sensation with this BLT Panzanella recipe. This isn’t your ordinary salad, oh no! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that takes the classic BLT sandwich and transforms it into a fresh and vibrant salad. 

We’re talking crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette and mixed with chunks of crusty bread. It’s a perfect summer dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. 

So, let’s gather our ingredients and create a salad that’s bursting with flavor!

Utensils You Need:

Gather these tools to make your delicious salad:

  1. Large bowl
  2. Small bowl
  3. Whisk
  4. Cutting board
  5. Knife

The Recipe

BLT Panzanella

BLT Panzanella

This bread salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and crusty bread in a tangy vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cubed crusty bread
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  • Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted.
  • While the bread is toasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, red onion, and basil.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.
  • Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  • Serve immediately or chill for a bit to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  1. You can use any type of crusty bread for this salad, such as ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette.
  2. Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado.
  3. You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
  4. If you want to make this salad ahead of time, wait to add the bread until just before serving to keep it crispy.
Keyword BLT salad, bread salad, easy salad, healthy salad, Italian salad, panzanella, summer salad

Alternative Ingredients:

If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:

IngredientAlternative
Crusty breadCroutons
BaconPancetta, ham, or vegan bacon substitute
Romaine lettuceAny type of lettuce or mixed greens
Red wine vinegarBalsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Dijon mustardWhole grain mustard or honey mustard

What to Serve with BLT Panzanella:

You can pair this delicious BLT Panzanella with the following:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use stale bread for panzanella?

Yes, stale bread is actually ideal for panzanella as it will soak up the dressing and become flavorful without getting too soggy.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or use a vegan bacon substitute.

How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, you can use any dressing you like, but a vinaigrette is traditional for panzanella.

Can I use store-bought croutons instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought croutons if you’re short on time.

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