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Crisp croutons, heirloom tomatoes, fresh summer corn, and sliced avocado make this a delicious salad that you will crave!
Leave it to the Italians to make something from nothing, Panazella, the delicious salad you see pictured above and below hails originally from Florence, in the heart of the lovely Italian region called Tuscany. In Italian households, Panazella was considered peasant-fare, simply a way to use up stale, old bread. Tomatoes grow abundantly in Tuscany and basil, well everyone knows that the Italians invented basil, right? So there you have it; bread, tomatoes and basil, extremely simple, ordinary ingredients, brilliantly transformed into something extraordinary! See what I mean? Something wonderful from almost nothing
If you've never tried Panazella, you're truly missing out on one of the summer's most delightful treats. It can be made any time of the year, but, with ripe, juicy summer tomatoes and lots of lovely fresh basil so abundant right now, Panazella is the perfect lunch or dinner for these hot steamy days. Here at The Café, a big bowl of Panazella is a complete meal, though it can also be a side paired with grilled, roasted or pan-seared chicken, pork, beef or seafood.
If you Google Panazella, you'll find there are a zillion different variations of this delightful salad. I've come up with my own Café version, using small heirloom tomatoes and adding fresh summer corn and sliced avocado. Just like the original version, I use stale bread, but I take it a step farther and transform the bread into crisp, buttery golden croutons, adding tons of extra flavor and texture.
I've tried a number of different dressings or vinaigrettes for Panazella, but our favorite is one that I almost always have on hand, The Café House Dressing. It seems to be the perfect finishing touch for this wonderful summer salad. Oh, and you might just want to make a double batch of this yummy stuff, it's fabulous and you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
- 2 lbs. small red and yellow tomatoes halved, I like to use a combination of grape and yellow heirloom
- ¼ cup minced red onion
- 3 ears fresh corn cooked in boiling water for just a minute or two, then sliced from the cob.*
- 2 medium avocados halved, cored, peeled sliced crosswise into ¼" slices
- 1 recipe Garlicky Parmesan Croutons
- 1 recipe Café House Dressing
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish
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Directions:
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Place all ingredients except Café House Dressing and Parmesan cheese in a large serving bowl. Add ½ cup of the dressing and toss gently to combine. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve extra dressing at the table.
Notes: *I used to steam the corn in boiling water until my friend Paula told me about this amazing, super simple method to cook and shuck corn with NO SILKS! *Nutrition facts do not include dressing or croutons
The Café Sucré Farine says
Kyle, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed the salad. It is defintely a keeper here at the Cafe!
Kyle says
I made this salad today for my quilt group potluck. It was the favorite dish on the table. I loved the addition of the corn and the dressing was fantastic, as well, as the croutons. Perfect in every way.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Mary, I've seen it both ways. I don't think there's a difference, not sure which is authentically correct.
Mary Hirsch says
Chris, is there a difference between Panazella Salad and Panzanella Salad. I've seen it both ways and am very confused. Your Panazella Salad looks gorgeous and I liked all the interesting changes you made. I always thought that this Italian salad had to be very "authentic" but am willing to branch out whether the Italians like or not. Very nice.
lena says
you know chris, i feel like i want to make everything you make at your blog! all are so beautiful and yes, they do sound yummy!!