Panzanella Mango Salad

Panzanella is a traditional Tuscan salad that is very popular in the summer. Onions, tomatoes, and chopped stale bread soak up the dressing and tomato juice to become rehydrated. Sometimes, Panzanella includes fragrant basil when available. Panzanella Mango Salad takes its inspiration from this very old and very delicious dish.

Italian traditionalists might throw you in jail for this wildly non-traditional version—but in California, anything goes. The recipe brings in the same sweetness you find in mango salsa, a South American staple found all over San Francisco. It is often paired with grilled chicken, fish, or used as a creative taco topping. Use sourdough bread for even more multicultural cultural fusion in this Panzanella Mango Salad. 

Panzanella Mango Salad

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• Author: Ethan Chmura
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Who needs croutons when you can have a panzanella salad?

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Ingredients

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For the salad:

• 4 thick slices day-old country bread
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 large mango, cubed
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

For the dressing:

• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat a grill to medium heat.
2. Brush the slices of bread with the olive oil, then grill them until lightly charred on both sides.
3. Rub with the garlic cloves when they are still hot, then set them aside for few minutes. When they are cool enough to handle, tear them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
4. For the dressing, whisk together the citrus juice, the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and chili flakes.
5. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, and place them in a large bowl together with bread, mango and green onion.
6. Toss with dressing and mix well.
7. Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes, in order for the bread to soften.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Check out some more California Fusion Recipes here!

Photography, Story, and Styling by Sara Ghedina

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