Panzanella Salad with Salami, fresh mozzarella, basil and heirloom tomatoes. This is summer in a bowl! You have to try this!
I know it’s not even June yet, but it totally feels like summer here in Madison and I am loving it! I’ve already started whipping up all of my favorite salads, started a list of my favorite summer fruits to grab when they are available and am keeping a close eye on the herbs and vegetables that we are growing.
Summer, to me, is really about keeping it simple and easy. Because the kids are out of school and I find that we’re outside for most of the day, I want to be able to quickly throw a salad or light meal together fast. And it all starts with great, fresh ingredients.
And a salad isn’t a good salad without a great dressing.
I don’t think you need to throw a ton of ingredients in to make a great dressing .. as long as you are starting with a great balsamic vinegar and an equally great extra virgin olive oil, you are set.
Enter Pompeian.
I’ve been using Pompeian balsamic vinegar for as long as I have been cooking. It’s the one I always seem to gravitate to at the grocery store and it’s the best tasting!
Panzanella Salad
This is one of my go-to salads for the summer and you better believe I am making this one again for Memorial Day! It has everything I love: homemade croutons, fresh tomatoes, basil, a little arugula, mixed greens, salami, mozzarella and of course, a great tasting, super easy balsamic dressing.
You can also skip the salami and mozzarella altogether!
If you need a fabulous salad for this weekend or Monday’s BBQ, I hope you give this one a try!
Enjoy!
Panzanella Salad with Salami
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs: parsley thyme and oregano
For the homemade croutons:
- 2 cups French baguette bread cut into cubes (day old baguette bread works best)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
For the salad:
- spring mix of greens including arugula
- assortment heirloom or grape tomatoes; cut in half
- fresh mozzarella; torn into little chunks
- salami; sliced into strips or cubes
- handful fresh basil; torn into pieces
- pepper if desired
Instructions
For the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, dijon and the dried herbs. mix well and set aside.
For the homemade croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the bread into cubes and place into a large mixing bowl. Heat the butter and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until melted. Pour the butter/garlic mixture over the bread cubes and toss to coat and sprinkle on the dry basil and mix one more time. Transfer the bread cubes to a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before mixing with the salad.
For the salad:
- Place all salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl, including the homemade croutons, pour the dressing over everything and toss together. Season with fresh cracked pepper if desired and serve immediately.
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Pompeian’s Blogger Ambassador Program and Pompeian Pantry Insiders. I was compensated for this post and as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Everything looks so colorful and sounds delicious Alice! So funny, that is actually the exact Olive oil in my pantry and I also have that balsamic vinegar. I also have Alessi brand as well. I agree, salads are all about the dressings!
P.S. I have a new email marketing company I’m using so any wordpress subscribers need to re subscribe…so if you still want my posts, I hope you’ll resubscribe! 🙂
Thanks so much, Brandi! I love colorful salads! and yes, the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic from Pompeian is both delicious and affordable and you can find it anywhere! Thanks for stopping by!
This looks fantastic and I love Panzanella Salad, quick, easy, and oh so pretty. Salami is always a flavorful addition too, almost like part of an antipasti. The Pompeian products are quite good and a few of my go-to items include both their red and white wine vinegars and grape seed oil. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Peggy!! I’m so glad you already like and use Pompeian! Oh and I ticket came up for the Big Harvest Potluck so I will see you there!!! Cheers!
LOVE this. Looks fabulous and perfect for weekend entertaining!
Thank you so much, Sandy. . and thanks for stopping by!!
So pretty Alice! I can think of few salads that look so much like summer to me! It’s raining in Seattle today, (something I’m sure you don’t miss that much 🙂 ). Enjoy your gorgeous sunshine, I’m sure you’ll have a beautifully sunny summer too!
Thank you, Maria! Totally easy and quick but super delicious! Just how I like my salads! Cheers!
Boy oh boy oh boy does this look seriously fantastic!
Thanks so much, Jocelyn! You seriously need to make this this weekend! Cheers! 🙂