Spring Panzanella Salad Recipe

It’s funny how some dishes just become instant family favorites. The Spring Panzanella Salad is one of those recipes that walked into our lives and immediately set up camp. The first time I made it, the vibrant colors alone were enough to draw everyone to the table. But it was the explosion of fresh, spring flavors that truly captivated us. My usually picky kids, who often greet salads with a healthy dose of skepticism, devoured it. My partner, a self-proclaimed bread enthusiast, was thrilled by the perfectly softened yet still slightly chewy croutons soaked in tangy dressing. Since then, this salad has become a springtime staple in our home, a dish we eagerly anticipate as the weather warms and the farmer’s markets burst with seasonal bounty. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of spring on a plate, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can bring that same joy to your own table.

Ingredients

The magic of Spring Panzanella Salad lies in the quality and freshness of its ingredients. This isn’t a salad where you can skimp on flavor; each component plays a vital role in creating the vibrant and harmonious final dish. Let’s delve into each ingredient, exploring why it’s essential and how to choose the best for your salad.

• Stale Bread: The Heart of Panzanella (1 pound, about 4-6 cups cubed) Panzanella, at its core, is a bread salad, and the bread is arguably the most critical element. We’re not talking about any old bread here. For a truly authentic and delicious Panzanella, you need a sturdy, crusty loaf that can stand up to the dressing without becoming mushy.
  • Types of Bread: Ideal choices include sourdough, ciabatta, or a rustic Italian loaf. These breads have a good structure and open crumb that soaks up the dressing beautifully while maintaining a pleasant chewiness. Avoid soft sandwich bread or brioche, as they will become soggy and disintegrate.
  • Staling is Key: Fresh bread will simply turn to mush when dressed. Stale bread, on the other hand, has lost some of its moisture, making it more absorbent and less prone to sogginess. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, you can easily stale it yourself. Simply cube the bread and leave it uncovered at room temperature overnight. Alternatively, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until they are dried out but not browned. This toasting method also adds a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Cutting the Bread: Cut the bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Uniformity in size ensures even soaking and a more visually appealing salad. Don’t discard the crusts; they add texture and flavor!
• Asparagus: Spring’s Signature Vegetable (1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) Asparagus is the quintessential spring vegetable, and its tender stalks and slightly grassy flavor are a perfect addition to this salad. Look for bright green, firm spears with tightly closed tips.
  • Preparation: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. You can usually tell where the tender part begins as the asparagus will naturally break at that point. Cut the remaining stalks into 1-inch pieces. Shorter pieces are easier to eat in a salad and will cook more quickly and evenly.
  • Cooking Method: We want the asparagus to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Blanching is the ideal method. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately plunge the asparagus into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color and crispness. Drain well.
  • Variations: If you prefer a slightly smoky flavor, you can grill or roast the asparagus instead of blanching. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, until tender-crisp.
• English Peas or Sugar Snap Peas: Sweetness and Crunch (1 cup, shelled if using English peas, trimmed if using sugar snap peas) Peas bring a delightful sweetness and pop of color to the Spring Panzanella. You can use either English peas (fresh or frozen) or sugar snap peas.
  • English Peas: If using fresh English peas, shelling them can be a bit of a task, but the flavor is worth it. Frozen peas are a convenient alternative and are often frozen at their peak freshness. If using frozen peas, thaw them before adding to the salad. You can blanch fresh English peas briefly in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes to enhance their color and tenderness.
  • Sugar Snap Peas: Sugar snap peas offer a wonderful sweetness and satisfying crunch. Simply trim the ends and remove any strings before adding them to the salad. They can be used raw or lightly blanched for a minute to slightly soften them while retaining their crispness.
  • Preparation: For both types of peas, if you choose to blanch them, follow the same method as for the asparagus: blanch in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge into an ice bath. Drain well.
• Radishes: Peppery Zing and Crispness (1 bunch, thinly sliced) Radishes add a welcome peppery bite and refreshing crunch to the salad. Choose firm, brightly colored radishes.
  • Types of Radishes: French breakfast radishes, red radishes, or even watermelon radishes would work well. Watermelon radishes add a beautiful visual element with their pink and white interiors.
  • Preparation: Wash the radishes thoroughly and trim off the root end and leafy tops. Thinly slice the radishes using a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices. Thin slices distribute the peppery flavor throughout the salad without being overpowering.
  • Milder Radishes: If you find radishes too pungent, you can soak the sliced radishes in ice water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to mellow their sharpness.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and Juicy (1 pint, halved or quartered if large) Tomatoes provide sweetness, acidity, and juicy bursts of flavor. Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal because they are naturally sweet and hold their shape well in salads.
  • Choosing Tomatoes: Look for ripe, plump tomatoes with a vibrant red color. They should feel slightly firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid tomatoes that are bruised, soft, or have blemishes.
  • Preparation: Wash the tomatoes and halve them if they are small cherry tomatoes. If using larger grape tomatoes, you can quarter them. Halving or quartering allows the tomato juices to mingle with the dressing and bread, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
• Fresh Mozzarella or Burrata: Creamy Indulgence (8 ounces, torn into bite-sized pieces) Fresh mozzarella or burrata adds a creamy, milky richness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing.
  • Mozzarella vs. Burrata: Fresh mozzarella is a classic choice, offering a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a pleasantly chewy texture. Burrata, with its creamy, stracciatella filling, takes the creaminess up a notch and provides a luxurious element to the salad. Both are excellent options.
  • Preparation: Drain the mozzarella or burrata from its whey. Tear it into bite-sized pieces. Tearing, rather than cutting, creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to and enhances the texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Fragrant Aromatics (1/2 cup packed, a mix of basil, parsley, mint, and chives, roughly chopped) Fresh herbs are essential for adding bright, aromatic notes to the salad. A combination of basil, parsley, mint, and chives creates a complex and refreshing herbal profile that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • Herb Selection: Basil provides a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. Parsley adds freshness and a clean taste. Mint brings a cooling, slightly sweet, and invigorating element. Chives offer a mild oniony flavor. Feel free to adjust the proportions based on your preference and what herbs you have available. Other herbs like dill or tarragon could also be lovely additions.
  • Preparation: Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat them dry. Remove any tough stems. Roughly chop the herbs just before adding them to the salad to preserve their freshness and aroma. Chopping releases their essential oils, maximizing their flavor impact.
• Red Onion or Spring Onion: Sharpness and Pungency (1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion or 1/2 cup thinly sliced spring onion, optional but recommended) Red onion or spring onion adds a touch of sharpness and pungency that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and peas and the richness of the mozzarella.
  • Red Onion vs. Spring Onion: Red onion provides a stronger, more assertive flavor. Spring onion (scallions) offers a milder, slightly sweeter onion flavor. Choose based on your preference for onion intensity.
  • Preparation: Peel and thinly slice the red onion or spring onion. For red onion, you can soak the slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes to mellow their sharpness, similar to radishes. Spring onions are generally milder and don’t usually require soaking.
• For the Dressing:
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup): Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It forms the base of the dressing and contributes richness and fruitiness.
  • Red Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup): Red wine vinegar provides the essential acidity that balances the oil and brightens the flavors of the salad.
  • Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps to emulsify the dressing, creating a smoother, more cohesive mixture.
  • Garlic (1 clove, minced): Garlic provides a pungent, savory note that enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
  • Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors of the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Instructions

Now that we have all our beautiful spring ingredients prepped and ready, let’s assemble our Spring Panzanella Salad. The process is straightforward, but following these steps will ensure a perfectly balanced and flavorful result.

1. Prepare the Bread Croutons: If you haven’t already staled your bread, cube it into 1-inch pieces. You can either leave it out to air dry for a few hours or overnight, or lightly toast it in a low oven as described in the ingredient section. The bread should be dry to the touch but not overly hard or browned.
2. Blanch the Asparagus and Peas (if using fresh English peas or sugar snap peas): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Blanch the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Blanch English peas for 1-2 minutes, or sugar snap peas for 1 minute if you prefer them slightly softened. Immediately transfer them to the ice bath as well. Once cooled, drain the vegetables thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels if necessary.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors to your liking.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the stale bread cubes, blanched asparagus and peas, sliced radishes, halved or quartered tomatoes, torn mozzarella or burrata, sliced red onion or spring onion (if using), and chopped fresh herbs.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the bread and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the ingredients relatively intact.
6. Let it Sit (Important!): This is a crucial step for Panzanella. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes, or even up to an hour. This allows the bread to absorb the dressing and soften slightly, while the flavors meld and deepen. Toss the salad gently a couple of times during this resting period to ensure even soaking.
7. Taste and Adjust (Final Touches): Before serving, taste the salad one last time. You may need to add a little more salt, pepper, or a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors, depending on your preference and how much dressing the bread has absorbed.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Spring Panzanella Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of hours of being dressed.

Nutrition Facts

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The following is a general approximation per serving.)

Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings

Calories per Serving (Estimated): 350-450 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 10-15g
• Fat: 25-35g (primarily from olive oil and mozzarella/burrata, mostly healthy fats)
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g (from mozzarella/burrata and olive oil)
• Cholesterol: 30-50mg
• Sodium: 400-600mg (can vary depending on salt added and cheese type)
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 4-6g
• Sugar: 5-8g (primarily natural sugars from vegetables)

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Good Source of Healthy Fats: Olive oil and mozzarella/burrata provide monounsaturated and saturated fats, important for satiety and overall health (in moderation).
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of fresh vegetables, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
• Source of Fiber: Bread and vegetables contribute to dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
• Moderate Protein: Mozzarella/burrata and some vegetables provide a moderate amount of protein.

Disclaimer: This nutritional information is an estimate. For precise nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes vegetable preparation, bread cubing if not pre-cubed, dressing making, and herb chopping)
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (blanching asparagus and peas)
• Resting Time: 20-60 minutes (for the salad to sit and flavors to meld)
• Total Time: Approximately 55-97 minutes (including resting time)

This Spring Panzanella Salad is relatively quick to prepare, especially if you use pre-cubed stale bread and frozen peas. The majority of the time is spent on vegetable preparation and allowing the salad to rest and develop its flavors. It’s a great make-ahead salad, perfect for gatherings or meal prepping, just be mindful of the resting time.

How to Serve

Spring Panzanella Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making it suitable for different occasions and meals.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous bowl of Spring Panzanella Salad on its own for a satisfying and refreshing light lunch. The combination of bread, vegetables, and cheese provides a balanced meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it as a vibrant and flavorful side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak. Its bright flavors and textures complement heavier main courses beautifully.
• Part of a Spring Brunch: Include it in a spring brunch spread alongside frittatas, quiches, and other seasonal dishes. Its freshness makes it a perfect brunch offering.
• Potluck or Picnic Star: Panzanella Salad is ideal for potlucks and picnics. It travels well (dress it closer to serving time if possible, or carry dressing separately) and is always a crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it visually appealing on a buffet table.
• Vegetarian Main Course: For a vegetarian meal, serve a larger portion of Spring Panzanella Salad and consider adding protein-rich additions like grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas, or cannellini beans to make it even more substantial.
• With Soup: Pair it with a light spring soup like chilled cucumber soup, asparagus soup, or gazpacho for a complete and refreshing meal.

Presentation Ideas:

• Large Serving Bowl: Serve the salad in a large, beautiful serving bowl to showcase its vibrant colors and textures.
• Individual Bowls: For a more elegant presentation, portion the salad into individual bowls or plates.
• Garnish: Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving to enhance its visual appeal.
• Bread Bowl (Optional): For a rustic touch, you could even serve the salad inside a hollowed-out crusty bread bowl.

Additional Tips for the Best Spring Panzanella Salad

To elevate your Spring Panzanella Salad from good to outstanding, consider these helpful tips:

• Toast the Bread for Extra Flavor and Texture: While stale bread is essential, lightly toasting the bread cubes in the oven before dressing them adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a slight crispness that holds up well in the salad. It also enhances the nutty notes of the bread.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing than you think you need and add more as needed. You want the salad to be flavorful but not swimming in dressing. Remember, the bread will absorb some of the dressing as it sits.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dressing and the final salad to ensure it’s perfectly balanced.
• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key component of the dressing and a significant flavor contributor, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste of the salad.
• Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare many components of the salad ahead of time. Blanch the vegetables, make the dressing, cube and toast the bread, and chop the herbs in advance. Store each component separately and assemble and dress the salad about 30-60 minutes before serving for the best results. This is especially helpful when entertaining.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Panzanella Salad ahead of time?

A: While Panzanella is best enjoyed within a few hours of being dressed, you can prepare components ahead of time. Blanch the vegetables, make the dressing, cube and toast the bread, and chop the herbs in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad about 30-60 minutes before serving. If you dress it too far in advance, the bread can become overly soggy.

Q2: What if I don’t have stale bread?

A: If you don’t have stale bread, you can easily stale it yourself. Cube fresh bread and leave it uncovered at room temperature overnight. Alternatively, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in a low oven (250°F or 120°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are dried out but not browned.

Q3: Can I use different vegetables in this salad?

A: Absolutely! Panzanella is very adaptable. Feel free to substitute or add other spring vegetables you enjoy, such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini ribbons, artichoke hearts (canned or marinated), or shaved fennel. Consider seasonal vegetables available in your area.

Q4: I don’t like red onion. What can I use instead?

A: If you don’t like red onion, you can use spring onions (scallions) for a milder onion flavor. You can also omit the onion altogether or use a shallot for a slightly milder and sweeter flavor than red onion. Soaking red onion slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes also helps to mellow their sharpness.

Q5: Can I add protein to make this salad a more substantial meal?

A: Yes, definitely! To make Spring Panzanella Salad a more substantial meal, you can add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp would be excellent additions. For vegetarian options, consider adding grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas, cannellini beans, or hard-boiled eggs. Tofu or tempeh (pan-fried or grilled) are also great vegan protein additions.

This Spring Panzanella Salad is truly a celebration of the season. It’s a dish that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for enjoying the fresh bounty of spring. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to experience a salad that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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