Nigella Panzanella is a refreshing Italian salad featuring crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil. It combines crunchy bread with vibrant flavors of tomatoes, basil, and tangy dressing for a delightful summer dish. The name “Panzanella” emphasizes the significance of bread in this salad.
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💗 Why This Recipe Will Impress Your Guests
- Bursting With Freshness. This Nigella Panzanella recipe features fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil. This flavorful salad will leave you wanting more.
- Easy And Quick. This 25-minute recipe is excellent for hectic days when you want a delicious meal without hours in the kitchen. It’s simple to create with easily available components.
- Versatile And Adaptable. Panzanella is versatile. Add grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, or roasted veggies to modify this recipe. It can be eaten alone or with grilled meats or fish.
- Budget-Friendly. This Nigella Panzanella dish is affordable and delicious. It makes Mediterranean-inspired salads affordable by using seasonal produce and cupboard items.
🍅 Nigella Panzanella Ingredients
- 250 grams staled Italian-style bread or sourdough or other dense chewy bread (cut into 2cm / 1in cubes or torn and crumbled into pieces)
- 1 small red onion (cut into thin half-moons or finely chopped)
- 60 milliliters of red wine vinegar
- 500 grams of good ripe tomatoes
- ½ clove garlic
- 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt flakes or 1 teaspoon pouring salt
- 1 pinch of caster sugar
- 125 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large bunch of fresh basil
🥗Nigella Panzanella Instructions
- Place the cubed bread on a wire cooling rack to keep it dry.
- In a large bowl, place the half-mooned or chopped onion. Pour red wine vinegar over it and let it steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in another large bowl, pour boiling water over the tomatoes and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Grate or mince some garlic into the vinegar and onions.
- Drain the tomatoes, peel them, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh. Add it to the vinegar and onion bowl.
- Add salt, a pinch of sugar, torn or crumbled bread, oil, and half of the basil leaves to the bowl.
- Using your hands, mix everything together until well combined.
- Ideally, let it sit overnight to steep and mellow. If serving immediately, add the remaining basil leaves and adjust the seasoning.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Use Stale Bread. To achieve the perfect texture, use slightly stale bread for your Nigella Panzanella. It will hold up better when tossed with the dressing and retain its crunchiness.
- Adjust Spiciness. If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your dressing. Taste as you go to ensure the desired level of heat.
- Don’t Overdress. Add the dressing gradually to avoid making the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and toss, then add more as needed. You want the bread to be coated but not soaked.
- Customize Ingredients. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, or roasted peppers to personalize your Nigella Panzanella.
- Allow Flavors To Meld. After combining the ingredients, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
🍗What To Serve With Panzanella?
Nigella Panzanella pairs well with a variety of dishes It can be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. Additionally, it complements other Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as roasted vegetables, bruschetta, or a simple Caprese salad, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
🎚 How To Store White Panzanella?
- In The Fridge. Refrigerate Traditional Nigella Panzanella for 2 days in an airtight container, fresh bread is better because it loses crunchiness with time.
- In The Freezer. After thawing, Traditional Nigella Panzanella may become soggy and nasty this salad should be eaten right away or refrigerated, not frozen.
🔥How To Reheat White Panzanella?
Nigella Panzanella is traditionally served as a chilled salad, and it is not typically heated up. The beauty of this dish lies in the contrasting textures of the crunchy bread and fresh vegetables.
FAQs
Can I Make Panzanella Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Panzanella can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
What Kinds Of Bread Work Best For Panzanella?
Stale or day-old crusty bread works best for Panzanella, as it absorbs the dressing without becoming too soggy.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add To This Recipe?
Other vegetables that can be added to Panzanella include cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and radishes.
Can Panzanella Be Made With Different Types Of Cheese?
Yes, Panzanella can be made with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese, depending on your preference.
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Nigella Panzanella Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 250 calories
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
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Nigella Panzanella
Description
Nigella Panzanella’s recipe is a burst of flavors made with crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and zesty dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it serves 4-6, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this delightful dish!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cubed bread on a wire cooling rack to keep it dry.
In a large bowl, place the half-mooned or chopped onion. Pour red wine vinegar over it and let it steep for at least 10 minutes. - Meanwhile, in another large bowl, pour boiling water over the tomatoes and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Grate or mince some garlic into the vinegar and onions.
- Drain the tomatoes, peel them, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh. Add it to the vinegar and onion bowl.
- Add salt, a pinch of sugar, torn or crumbled bread, oil, and half of the basil leaves to the bowl.
- Using your hands, mix everything together until well combined.
- Ideally, let it sit overnight to steep and mellow. If serving immediately, add the remaining basil leaves and adjust the seasoning.
Notes
- Use Stale Bread. To achieve the perfect texture, use slightly stale bread for your Nigella Panzanella. It will hold up better when tossed with the dressing and retain its crunchiness.
- Adjust Spiciness. If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your dressing. Taste as you go to ensure the desired level of heat.
- Don’t Overdress. Add the dressing gradually to avoid making the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and toss, then add more as needed. You want the bread to be coated but not soaked.
- Customize Ingredients. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, or roasted peppers to personalize your Nigella Panzanella.
- Allow Flavors To Meld. After combining the ingredients, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.