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close up of panzanella salad in a white dish
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5 from 3 votes

Gluten-Free Panzanella Salad

This hearty Italian bread salad features ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and crispy prosciutto throughout a base of homemade gluten-free croutons. Tossed in an herby oil and vinegar dressing, this gluten-free panzanella salad is a dish that is sure to impress.
Prep Time30 minutes
Resting Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 gluten-free baguette or loaf of bread about 400g total
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 slices of prosciutto omit for vegetarian
  • 3 ripe vine tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cucumber, cut in circles then quartered
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoon kalamata olives, pitted and sliced lengthwise
  • 5 leaves of fresh basil, torn or chopped
  • 100 g fresh bocconcini mozzarella omit for dairy-free and vegan

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ scant cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon each: salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper and a second sheet pan with a wire rack on top.
  • Cut the baguette or bread into small crouton-sized cubes. Add to a large bowl and toss with the olive oil and salt. Add more if needed. Spread the croutons onto the wire rack above the baking sheet. This will allow them to crisp on all sides.
  • Place the slices of prosciutto on the parchment-lined baking sheet in little rosettes. Place both sheet pans in the oven. Remove the prosciutto after 15 minutes, and the croutons after about 20 minutes. Then allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  • In the meantime, chop the vegetables. Sprinkle the tomatoes with a good pinch of salt, then place in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and allow to sit and release juices while you prepare the other vegetables. You may also whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup.
  • Once the croutons have cooled for 5 minutes, place them in a large bowl along with the tomatoes, cucumber, shallot, kalamata olives, and mozzarella. Drizzle with the dressing and, if you wish, some of the tomato juices. Use tongs or salad spoons to toss the salad together, and place into a serving dish.
  • Allow the salad to sit for 20-30 minutes at room temperature before topping with the basil and prosciutto. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Storage Instructions
Gluten-Free Panzanella Salad is best on the day it's made, at room temperature. Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge overnight, although the bread will have a softer texture. Leftover panzanella can be eaten cold or allowed to come to room temperature.