Explore the vibrant flavors of Panzanella di mare, a delightful Italian seafood salad that’s perfect for summer lunches or dinners.

Panzanella di mare

Panzanella di mare is a fresh and colorful appetizer that embodies the essence of summer, ideal for serving during a terrace lunch or as a starter for a seafood dinner. This dish is a reinterpretation of the classic Tuscan panzanella, preserving the rustic soul of traditional cuisine while infusing it with the unique flavors of shellfish, mollusks, and seafood.

The classic base of panzanella, made with stale bread, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and basil, is enhanced with the best of fresh catch: calamari, shrimp, and mussels. Each bite is a vibrant mix of tastes and aromas that will transport you straight to the seaside.

Fresh, fragrant, and rich in contrasts, Panzanella di mare is also an excellent way to use up leftover bread, transforming it into something creative and delicious, without sacrificing convenience!

If you are looking for other variations of panzanella, don’t miss our recipes for:

• Summer Panzanella with Anchovies
• Sweet Panzanella
• Crunchy Panzanella
• Winter Panzanella

Ingredients

• Stale bread, cut into cubes
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Cucumber, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves
• Calamari, cleaned and sliced
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Mussels, scrubbed and cleaned
• Olive oil
• Vinegar (red or white)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the stale bread, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and basil.
2. In a separate pot, cook the calamari for 2-3 minutes, add the shrimp and mussels, and cook until they are just done.
3. Drain the seafood and add it to the vegetable mixture.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss everything gently to combine, and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Total Time

Preparation and cooking: 40 minutes

Cuisine

Italian