Ree Drummond, famously known as The Pioneer Woman, has a treasure trove of recipes perfect for any occasion, but her panzanella salad truly shines as a unique and refreshing summer dish. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a vibrant mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and flavorful bread, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Drummond herself has declared panzanella as “one of my favorite delights,” and it’s easy to see why.
Ree Drummond from Pioneer Woman showcases her famous panzanella salad recipe
What Makes Pioneer Woman Panzanella Salad Special?
Panzanella, at its heart, is a tomato-bread salad, ingeniously created as a way to use up slightly stale bread. The Pioneer Woman’s version elevates this humble dish into something extraordinary. As Drummond mentioned on her blog, she rediscovered her love for panzanella while preparing it for a Food Network segment. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld together. The crusty bread soaks up the delicious dressing and tomato juices, creating a delightful texture that’s far from soggy.
Ree Drummond’s Quick and Easy Panzanella Recipe
Drummond demonstrated her straightforward panzanella recipe on The Pioneer Woman show, highlighting recipes featuring fresh herbs. She emphasized how panzanella made a lasting impression on her, becoming a years-long favorite. The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for a light lunch or a side dish at a summer gathering.
Staling the Bread – The Key to Perfect Panzanella
The first step is preparing the bread. Drummond uses a crusty loaf, diced into cubes and lightly drizzled with olive oil. To achieve that perfect crispness, she bakes the bread in a low 275°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This process is crucial for preventing the bread from becoming mushy once it’s combined with the salad ingredients and dressing.
Fresh Ingredients for a Burst of Flavor
For the salad itself, The Pioneer Woman combines simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Juicy Tomatoes: Wedges of ripe tomatoes form the base of the salad, providing sweetness and essential juices that soak into the bread.
- Cool Cucumber: Halved, seeded, and sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and coolness, balancing the richness of the bread and tomatoes.
- Sharp Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion introduces a bit of sharpness and bite, adding another layer of flavor complexity.
Once the bread is cooled, it’s tossed with these fresh vegetables, ready for the dressing.
The Pioneer Woman’s Simple Homemade Vinaigrette
No Pioneer Woman recipe is complete without a flavorful homemade dressing, and her panzanella vinaigrette is wonderfully simple:
- Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinegar: The classic combination of olive oil and red wine vinegar forms the base, creating a tangy and rich dressing.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Drummond’s tip for easy dressing? Use a mason jar! Just combine the ingredients, secure the lid, and shake vigorously.
Assembling and Finishing the Panzanella
To finish the salad, thinly sliced basil is added for a fresh, herbaceous note. The homemade vinaigrette is then poured over the salad, and everything is gently tossed together. For an extra touch of flavor, Drummond adds shavings of parmesan cheese.
The Waiting Game – But It’s Worth It!
Drummond humorously points out that “the tough part” is waiting for the salad to sit for an hour at room temperature, covered. This waiting time is essential. It allows the tomatoes to release their juices and the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors of the dressing and vegetables. This process is what transforms the salad into a truly harmonious dish.
Addressing the common concern about soggy bread, The Pioneer Woman assures that using crusty Italian bread prevents this. The bread becomes perfectly moistened, not soggy, creating the signature texture of a great panzanella.
Enjoy The Pioneer Woman’s Panzanella Salad
Ree Drummond’s panzanella salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients and a testament to how resourceful cooking can transform everyday elements into something truly special. Perfect for a summer lunch, a light dinner, or a potluck contribution, this Pioneer Woman Panzanella Salad is sure to become a new favorite. For the full recipe details, you can visit the Food Network website and bring this delightful dish to your table.
