Burrata Panzanella Salad
Burrata Panzanella Salad with Honey Crisp Apples is a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread salad. This version combines the creamy richness of burrata with the crisp sweetness of Honey Crisp apples, fresh vegetables, and toasted bread cubes. Perfect as a main course or a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures. In this recipe, we’ll explore the history of Panzanella, why you’ll love this version, the key ingredients, and tips for making it your own.
Table of Contents
- About Panzanella Salad
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Is In Burrata Panzanella Salad?
- Key Ingredients in Panzanella Salad
- How To Make Burrata Panzanella Salad
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Burrata Panzanella Salad Recipe
About Panzanella Salad
Panzanella is a traditional Italian salad that originated in the Tuscany region. It was initially a way to use up stale bread by soaking it in water and mixing it with fresh vegetables. Historically, it was a peasant dish, made with whatever vegetables were available in the garden.
In Italian cuisine, Panzanella is often associated with summer, as it features fresh, seasonal produce. It’s a staple at Italian family gatherings and picnics, celebrated for its simplicity and the ability to highlight the flavors of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil.
Panzanella has evolved over the years from its humble origins. Modern versions often include a variety of ingredients such as cheese, fruits, and a range of dressings. This Burrata Panzanella Salad with Honey Crisp Apples is a contemporary take on the classic, adding a creamy and sweet dimension to the traditional flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Crunchy: The combination of creamy burrata and crunchy apples creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Sweet and Savory: Honey Crisp apples add a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory elements of the salad.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or a side, this salad is perfect for any occasion.
- Fresh and Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables and fruits, it’s a nutritious and delicious option.
What Is In Burrata Panzanella Salad?
This vibrant salad includes a harmonious blend of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures:
- Burrata: Adds a creamy richness that complements the other ingredients.
- Honey Crisp Apples: Provide a sweet and crisp contrast to the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add juiciness and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Cucumbers: Offer a refreshing crunch.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Basil: Brings a fragrant, herbal note.
- Toasted Bread Cubes: Absorb the dressing and add a satisfying crunch.
- Dressing: A mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Key Ingredients in Panzanella Salad
- Burrata: The star of the dish, known for its creamy center.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful, they are essential to the salad.
- Cucumbers: Add a refreshing crunch.
- Red Onion: Gives a sharp and tangy bite.
- Basil: Fresh and fragrant, it enhances the salad’s flavor.
- Toasted Bread Cubes: Traditional in Panzanella, they soak up the dressing and add texture.
- Dressing: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper for a simple, yet flavorful finish.
How To Make Burrata Panzanella Salad
- Preheat the oven to 400 F
- Cube the Bread into 1″ pieces, lay them on the baking sheet, and lightly drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. Toss the pieces so they are all covered evenly.
- When the oven reached 400 F, put the baking sheet with the bread pieces in the oven for 12-15 minutes to toast, until lightly golden. Then remove and allow them to cool.
- Quarter the Cherry Tomatoes, and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, along with Red Wine Vinegar, Salt and Black Pepper. Stir to combine, and allow the tomatoes to sit for 10 minutes.
- Chop all the other ingredients, and add to the large mixing bowl with the tomatoes after 10 minutes have passed. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to a serving plate/bowl, and top with Burrata and Mint.
- Enjoy as a side or the main dish!
Have It Your Way!
Customize your Burrata Panzanella Salad with these creative adaptations:
- Mix Up the Fruits: Try adding other fruits like pears, peaches, or grapes for a different flavor profile.
- Change the Dressing: Experiment with different dressings such as balsamic glaze, lemon vinaigrette, or honey mustard.
- Include More Veggies: Add bell peppers, radishes, or avocado for extra color and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a kick.
Nutritional Facts
Burrata Panzanella Salad with Honey Crisp Apples is not only delicious but also offers a range of health benefits:
- Calcium and Protein: Burrata provides a good source of calcium and protein.
- Fiber-Rich: Apples and vegetables add a healthy dose of fiber.
- Vitamins: Packed with vitamins A and C from the tomatoes and apples.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil in the dressing adds heart-healthy fats.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Cowboy Caviar (Four Bean Salad)
- Wood Ear Mushrooms Salad
- Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata with Crostini
- Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
- Black Pepper Tofu
Burrata Panzanella Salad Recipe
Burrata Panzanella Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Hearty Bread 1″ cubed (We used French Style Country)
- 2 cups Honey Crisp Apple cubed
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
- ½ Red Onion sliced
- 2 Mini Cucumbers diced
- ½ Cup Mint Leaves torn
- 4 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Sugar
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Burrata Cheese large or small balls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F
- Cube the Bread into 1″ pieces, lay them on the baking sheet, and lightly drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. Toss the pieces so they are all covered evenly.
- When the oven reached 400 F, put the baking sheet with the bread pieces in the oven for 12-15 minutes to toast, until lightly golden. Then remove and allow them to cool.
- Quarter the Cherry Tomatoes, and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, along with Red Wine Vinegar, Salt and Black Pepper. Stir to combine, and allow the tomatoes to sit for 10 minutes.
- Chop all the other ingredients, and add to the large mixing bowl with the tomatoes after 10 minutes have passed. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to a serving plate/bowl, and top with Burrata and Mint.
- Enjoy as a side or the main dish!
Notes
- Bread Selection: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy.
- Apple Choice: Honey Crisp apples are ideal for their sweetness and crunch, but you can substitute with other crisp apples if needed.
- Advance Preparation: You can toast the bread cubes and prepare the vegetables and apples ahead of time, but assemble the salad just before serving to keep the bread from getting too soggy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The bread may become softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Video
Nutrition
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Amazing – looked beautiful and tasted delicious. Will definitely make this again.
thank you, please let us know how it goes 🙂