Irresistible BLT Panzanella: A Summer Salad Delight

The sun is shining, and the aroma of fresh basil mingles with the crispy crunch of bacon—welcome to the BLT Panzanella experience! This delightful dish bursts with juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and savory bacon, all tossed together like an Italian summer fling. Italian meatballs in tomato sauce Imagine biting into a salad that feels like a celebration, where every forkful feels like a warm hug from your grandmother.

As I prepared this dish for my family picnic last weekend, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my childhood summers spent at my grandma’s garden. There, she would whip up magical salads from her bountiful harvest. mini apple pie wonton cups The BLT Panzanella is perfect for those sunny days when you want something light yet decadent. Trust me; it’s a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients for BLT Panzanella

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Stale Bread: Use crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough; it adds texture and soaks up the dressing beautifully.
• Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor; it’s the heart of this dish!
• Ripe Tomatoes: Choose vibrant heirloom tomatoes if you can; they add sweetness and color to your salad.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: These fragrant leaves elevate the dish; pick them fresh for the best flavor.
• Lettuce: Use crisp romaine or butter lettuce for freshness and crunch in every bite. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter lobster tail recipe.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice red onion for a mild bite; it adds zing without overwhelming other flavors.

For the Dressing:

• Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic brings acidity and depth; use high-quality vinegar if possible.
• Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness of the dressing; it’s worth splurging on.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make BLT Panzanella

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy—about eight minutes should do it! Once cooked, transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

While your bacon is sizzling away, cut stale bread into bite-sized cubes. In the same skillet (hello leftover bacon goodness!), toast the bread cubes until golden brown—around five minutes will give you that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

Next up, chop those ripe tomatoes into chunks, slice the red onion thinly (try not to cry!), and tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Toss everything into a large bowl along with your crispy lettuce.

Step 4: Whisk Up That Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil—season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now that all components are ready, add your toasted bread cubes and crispy bacon to the vegetable bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Let your creation sit for about ten minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully! Transfer to plates and watch as everyone digs in with delight.

This BLT Panzanella makes an exciting centerpiece for any meal—it’s colorful, bursting with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying! Enjoy each bite as you celebrate summer flavors right at your dining table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy, then let it cool on paper towels. While the bacon cools, chop your tomatoes and cucumbers. Toast the bread cubes until golden brown. Assemble everything in a big bowl with dressing just before serving for that crunchy goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you love! Add avocado for creaminess, use heirloom tomatoes for more color, or toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, warm the bacon separately to restore its crispiness and combine with the veggies right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Sometimes I whip up this BLT Panzanella when I’m craving comfort food but want something light. My friends rave about it every time—there’s nothing like hearing their compliments while I’m enjoying another helping!

FAQs :

What is a BLT Panzanella?

A BLT Panzanella is a fresh and flavorful salad that combines the classic ingredients of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with chunks of bread. The dish is typically made with ripe tomatoes, crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, and stale bread soaked in a tangy dressing. refreshing peach lemonade This unique twist on the traditional Italian panzanella salad makes it a perfect summer dish, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors that celebrate seasonal produce.

How do I make the dressing for my BLT Panzanella?

To create a delicious dressing for your BLT Panzanella, you’ll want to combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they emulsify. The dressing should be tangy yet balanced to enhance the freshness of the tomatoes and the richness of the bacon. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to ensure everything remains crisp and vibrant. For more inspiration, check out this homemade Big Mac sauce recipe.

Can I customize my BLT Panzanella?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of a BLT Panzanella is its versatility. You can add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch. Consider incorporating herbs such as basil or parsley for added flavor. If you want to make it vegetarian, replace bacon with crispy chickpeas or smoked tofu. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread too; ciabatta or sourdough work wonderfully.

How long does BLT Panzanella last in the fridge?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover BLT Panzanella in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, keep in mind that the bread may become soggy as it absorbs moisture from the vegetables. To maintain texture, consider storing the components separately and assembling them when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion for BLT Panzanella :

The BLT Panzanella offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that elevate any meal. With its fresh ingredients like tomatoes, crispy bacon, and crunchy lettuce combined with hearty bread soaked in a tangy dressing, this dish is perfect for warm weather gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Its adaptability allows for various additions or substitutions based on your preferences. Enjoy crafting this vibrant salad that beautifully marries classic flavors with an Italian twist!

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📖 Recipe Card

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BLT Panzanella

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• Author: Chloe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

BLT Panzanella is a refreshing and vibrant salad that combines the beloved flavors of a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with the rustic charm of Italian panzanella. This dish features crispy bacon, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and crunchy stale bread soaked in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or light dinners, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups stale ciabatta bread, cubed
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 cups ripe heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 8 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, toast the bread cubes until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Combine tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and red onion in a large bowl.
4. Whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. Add toasted bread and bacon to the vegetable mixture; drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
6. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg