15 Lidia's Recipe For Italian Bread Salad Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Lidia Bastianich, a renowned Italian-American chef and TV host, is known for her delicious and authentic Italian recipes. One of her most beloved dishes is the Italian bread salad, also known as panzanella. This simple, yet hearty dish is perfect for the summer months when fresh, ripe tomatoes are in abundance. With a few key ingredients and Lidia's expert tips, you can recreate this classic salad in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with a taste of Italy.
Main Ingredients: Bread Cubes, Artichoke Hearts, Cento Chick Peas, Sun
Looking for a refreshing and unique side dish to pair with your beer can chicken? Look no further than Lidia's Artichoke and Chickpea Salad. This simple yet flavorful salad combines tender artichokes and hearty chickpeas with a delicious homemade dressing. It's the perfect accompaniment to your juicy and flavorful beer can chicken.
Start by draining and rinsing a can of chickpeas and placing them in a large bowl. Next, add a can of quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, to the bowl. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Pour the dressing over the chickpeas and artichokes and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors develop.
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Lidia's Red Cabbage and Bacon Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Olive Oil, Bacon, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt
If you're in the mood for a heartier and more indulgent side dish to go with your beer can chicken, try Lidia's Red Cabbage and Bacon Salad. This salad is a delicious mix of crunchy red cabbage, crispy bacon, and tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. It adds a pop of color and flavor to your plate and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Start by frying up some bacon until crispy and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine thinly sliced red cabbage, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of paprika. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss to coat. Crumble the cooled bacon over the top and serve alongside your delicious beer can chicken.
The Secret to a Perfect Italian Bread Salad
Choose the Right Bread
The key ingredient in any bread salad is, of course, the bread. In this case, you want to use stale or day-old bread. This may seem counterintuitive, but stale bread actually absorbs the dressing better and holds its shape in the salad. If you only have fresh bread, you can quickly toast it in the oven to dry it out.
Use the Best Quality Tomatoes
As with any Italian dish, quality ingredients are essential. When it comes to tomatoes, ripe, juicy, and flavorful ones are a must for this salad. Look for heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry or grape tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
Get Creative with the Add-Ins
While Lidia's recipe for Italian bread salad calls for cucumbers, red onion, and basil, you can get creative with the add-ins. Try adding grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or add protein with grilled chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are endless, but be sure to keep the flavors and textures balanced for the perfect bite.
Dress it Up
The dressing for this salad is simple yet flavorful. Extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard are whisked together to create a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. Be sure to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Let it Marinate
Unlike traditional salads, Italian bread salad needs time to marinate and let the flavors meld together. After tossing the salad with the dressing, let it sit for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the bread to soak up the dressing and for the flavors to develop.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the salad has marinated, it's ready to be served. Garnish with some extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. This Italian bread salad is perfect as a side dish or a light lunch on its own. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it as a refreshing summer meal.
Now that you have Lidia's expert tips and tricks, you can easily recreate this classic Italian bread salad in your own kitchen. So why not gather some fresh ingredients and give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you. Buon appetito!
