• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Simple Meal Girl
  • Home
  • Simple Recipes
  • Very Simple
  • About SMG
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Simple Recipes
  • Very Simple
  • About SMG
  • Follow Us!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Simple Meals » Very Simple

    Panzanella Salad with Pita, A Summer Must!

    March 15, 2021 by Christy 4 Comments

     Panzanella Salad With Pita
    Jump to Recipe

    Panzanella Salad is hands-down a must-try! It certainly is a statement salad that bursts so much flavor! The smallest amount of Dijon is used in the dressing, which delivers a little zing that balances out nicely with the seasoned pita croutons and steals the show! 

    The seasoning used on the pita crouton and dressing is my Greek Seasoning concoction that is so simple to put together. It is basil-based with some other common dried herbs that you may already have on hand. As long as dried basil is used, a variation of the Greek Seasoning recipe can be made. No need to overthink it.

    Tips on how to make Panzanella Salad

    Types of Lettuce

    I like to make this salad with green leaf lettuce because I think it offers some nice crunch but also slightly buttery lettuce. Boston lettuce, red leaf, arugula, or romaine could be good contenders too.

    Time needed: 5 minutes.

    How to Wash Lettuce

    1. Wash each leaf with care!

      Use a big colander in the kitchen sink and carefully wash each leaf. Wash the lettuce carefully because the grocery store did not! Let’s be real about this for a second, lettuce is a plant that grows in the ground outside. If you are working with a fresh head of lettuce, it is probable that there is some soil, pesticides, or even bugs in between the leaves. 

    2. Dry with care!

      Then lay the leaves on top of a clean dish towel and cover the leaves with paper towels to soak up the water. A salad spinner can also be used to dry the lettuce also!

    3. Store properly in the refrigerator!

      When storing the lettuce in the refrigerator, use an airtight container or a zip-lock bag with a folded paper towel inserted inside. The paper towel helps keep the lettuce crisp for several days! This is a technique that both my mother and grandmother taught me. Nothing is worse than going to the trouble of prepping the lettuce ahead of time only to find it soggy when ready to use!

    Ripe Juicy Tomatoes!

    Homegrown summer tomatoes would be a nice addition should you have them. I like to use Campari tomatoes when the homegrown are unavailable because they seem to be juicy and ripe 10 months of the year.

    Panzanella is meant to be eaten once tossed with the dressing

    It is not recommended to be made in advance. However, if you know that you will be short on time and looking for a shortcut. I would recommend cutting the veggies, washing the lettuce, shredding the Parmesan cheese, and assemble the dressing. Cover the dressing with plastic wrap and leave it out, do not refrigerate. These steps can be done hours ahead of time to help cut corners later.

    Panzanella can also be made using crusty bread!

    Panzanella salad in a blue bowl.

    Simply follow the recipe using your favorite bread, such as focaccia, ciabatta or even a bagel would do the job. Use what you have on hand.

    Add in Ideas

    • Artichoke hearts
    • Kalamata olives
    • Fresh cut chives
    • Freshly cut basil leaves
    • White Kidney Beans
    • Grilled shrimps, chicken, or scallops to make it a bit more substantial.
    Panzanella Salad With Pita
    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    Panzanella Salad With Pita

    Panzanella Salad is hands-down a must-try! It certainly is a statement salad that bursts so much flavor! The smallest amount of Dijon is used in the dressing, which delivers a little zing that balances out nicely with the seasoned pita croutons and steals the show!
    The seasoning used on the pita crouton and dressing is my Greek Seasoning concoction that is so simple to put together. It is basil-based with some other common dried herbs that you may already have on hand. As long as dried basil is used, a variation of the Greek Seasoning recipe can be made. No need to overthink it.
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Italian
    Diet Vegetarian
    Keyword Panzanella Salad, Salad with Pita Bread
    Prep Time 8 minutes
    Cook Time 2 minutes
    n/a 0 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 5 people
    Calories 331kcal
    Author Christy
    Cost $12

    Equipment

    • Salad bowl

    Ingredients

    • 2 Small Pitas or 1 large Pita
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Greek Seasoning Get the recipe at SimpleMealGirl.com
    • 1 Head Green Leaf Lettuce, washed and trimmed
    • 5 Campari Tomatoes
    • ½ Cucumber
    • ¼ Cup Red Onion sliced
    • ½ Red or Green Pepper
    • ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated

    Dressing

    • ¼ Cup Red Vinegar
    • ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Capers
    • 1 tablespoon Greek Seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • Salt & Pepper to season

    Instructions

    • Brush pita with oil on both sides, then sprinkle on the seasoning evenly. Toast until crisp in the toaster oven or in a pan on the stove.
      seasoned toasted pita for salad croutons.
    • Wash lettuce and pat dry.
    • Whisk together dressing and set aside.
      Freshly made salad dressing
    • Cut tomatoes in wedges, slice peppers and onions and cut the cucumber into cubes.Shred the Parmesan cheese.
    • Combine lettuce, veggies, and cheese in a salad bowl. Scrape any tomato juices leftover into the dressing and whisk.
    • Cut toasted pita to crouton size
    • Combine all ingredients and toss!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 331kcal
    « Pork Schnitzel Sandwiches with Dill Aioli
    Marinated Veggie Kabobs Balsamic »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alice Lotti

      March 23, 2021 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      I made this salad for company last night. They raved about it and there wasn't a morsel left. I used thick slices of French brioche bread since I had it on hand and worked out beautifully. I'll be making this often. It's delicious and so simple to make!

      Reply
      • Christy

        March 23, 2021 at 2:52 pm

        I am so glad you liked it! I really appreciate that you came back to share your thoughts on it too. Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Johanna Kelly

      March 19, 2021 at 12:15 am

      I am so hungry now! This looks delish!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Christy

        March 21, 2021 at 12:17 am

        Thanks so much Johanna! To be honest, it also makes me hungry too! lol ❤️ Thanks for commenting!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Christy @ Simple Meal Girl

    Hi there, Welcome to Simple Meal Girl! My goal is to help you simplify recipes using easy-to-find ingredients that might already be in your pantry. I enjoy creating unique and manageable meals to share!

    Do bookmark my page so you can find your way back! I am adding recipes each week! I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips!

    More about me →

    Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase. This renders no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I love and stand behind.

    Popular

    • Beef Tips with Gravy with mashed potatoes
      Beef Tips with Gravy
    • How to make the best Turkey dinner
      How To Cook The Perfect Turkey
    • Hungarian Beef Goulash in a bowl over egg noodles
      Hungarian Beef Goulash (Instant Pot)
    • Delicious Potato Pancakes on a blue plate served with a side of horseradish dipping sauce.
      Potato Pancakes with Horseradish Sauce

    Food Categories

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About SMG
    • Terms of use

    Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you make a purchase via the link. This renders no extra cost to you and I only recommend products I love and stand behind. That's a promise I feel good about!

    The California Wine Club. A True California Wine Adventure!

    Copyright © 2022 Simple Meal Girl on the FoodiePro Theme

    All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.