BLT Panzanella Salad: A Delicious & Easy Summer Recipe

BLT Panzanella Salad: Prepare to experience the ultimate summer flavor explosion! Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, ripe tomatoes, crispy bacon, and crunchy, toasted bread, all tossed in a tangy, herb-infused vinaigrette. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Panzanella, originating in the heart of Tuscany, was traditionally a way to use up stale bread, transforming it into a delicious and satisfying meal. While the classic version often features tomatoes, onions, and basil, our BLT Panzanella Salad takes a beloved American classic and elevates it with the rustic charm of Italian cuisine. It’s a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors!

What’s not to love? The combination of smoky bacon, sweet tomatoes, and the satisfying crunch of toasted bread is simply irresistible. This salad is incredibly versatile, perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish at a barbecue, or even a quick and easy dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase seasonal produce at its peak. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy the iconic BLT!

Ingredients:

• For the Croutons:
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) crusty bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Bacon:
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• For the Tomatoes:
• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, such as heirloom or beefsteak, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• For the Lettuce:
• 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
• For the Red Onion:
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• For the Basil:
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Preparing the Croutons:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the croutons to become golden brown and crispy without burning.
2. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Try to use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts and less tearing. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
3. Season the Bread: Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes. Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Make sure every piece gets a little love!
4. Bake the Croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
5. Cool the Croutons: Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help them crisp up even further. Once cooled, set aside.

Cooking the Bacon:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the bacon without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
3. Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
4. Cool and Crumble: Let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Preparing the Vegetables:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Core and cut the ripe tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Place both types of tomatoes in a large bowl.
2. Prepare the Lettuce: Roughly chop the romaine lettuce and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. You can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out its flavor if you prefer a milder taste. Drain the onion well before adding it to the salad. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl.
4. Prepare the Basil: Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves. Add the chopped basil to the bowl.

Making the Dressing:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
2. Whisk Vigorously: Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened. If using a jar, you can simply close the lid tightly and shake well.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preferences.

Assembling the Panzanella Salad:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In the large bowl with the tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and basil, add the cooled croutons and crumbled bacon.
2. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and add more as needed, tossing gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make the croutons soggy.
3. Toss Gently: Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or break the croutons.
4. Let it Sit (Optional): For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the croutons to absorb some of the dressing. However, don’t let it sit for too long, or the croutons will become too soggy.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the BLT Panzanella Salad immediately. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The BLT Panzanella Salad is a must-try because it takes the classic comfort of a BLT and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine biting into juicy, ripe tomatoes, crispy bacon, crunchy croutons soaked in tangy dressing, and fresh lettuce, all mingling together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! This salad is fantastic as a light lunch on a warm day, a vibrant side dish at a barbecue, or even a satisfying light dinner. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. The smoky flavor of grilled protein complements the bacon and tomatoes beautifully.

Looking for variations? I’ve got you covered! If you’re a fan of avocado, dice one up and toss it in for extra creaminess and healthy fats. A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy kick that’s simply irresistible. For a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoky tempeh bacon or grilled halloumi cheese. You could even add some roasted corn for a touch of sweetness. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread for the croutons! Sourdough, ciabatta, or even a crusty baguette will all work wonderfully.

The dressing is also ripe for customization. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

I truly believe this BLT Panzanella Salad will become a new favorite in your household. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread and enjoy seasonal produce.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite ingredients? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of BLT Panzanella Salad enthusiasts!

Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. The more people who discover the joy of this incredible salad, the better! I’m confident that once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate BLT Panzanella Salad. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think!