- Baguette, crust removed and torn into chunks (panzanella)
- Kalamata olives
- Cucumber, diced
- Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
*Note: Make sure to include the relevant keywords such as "asparagus," "tomato," "panzanella," and "SEO-friendly" in your meta descriptions or content to improve search engine optimization.
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### Asparagus and Tomato Panzanella Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Dish
#### Overview:
Panzanella is an Italian bread salad that typically uses stale bread, tomatoes, and other ingredients to make a hearty dish. This version adds a fresh twist with asparagus and tomatoes, perfect for summer picnics or light dinners.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 cups of large ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 ounces day-old bread (such as ciabatta or Italian bread), cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
#### Steps:
1. **Prep the Vegetables**:
- Start by preparing your vegetables. Wash and cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Trim the asparagus, remove the woody ends, and slice them diagonally.
2. **Cook the Asparagus**:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Tomato Salad**:
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss gently.
4. **Add the Asparagus**:
- Gently fold in the cooked asparagus into the tomato mixture.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. **Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Nuts**:
- Add the chopped basil, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined.
6. **Let It Rest** (Optional):
- For a more flavorful salad, let it sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**:
- Transfer the salad to a platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for warm summer days.
#### Tips for Perfect Panzanella:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Ensure your asparagus is cooked but still retains some crunch.
- Letting the salad sit helps enhance the flavors. However, if you prefer a fresher taste, serve immediately after preparation.
#### SEO Keywords:
- Asparagus and Tomato Panzanella
- Italian Bread Salad
- Summer Vegetarian Recipes
- Panzanella with Asparagus
- Refreshing Summer Dish
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful panzanella! Perfect for any summer gathering or as a light meal.