Everything Bagel Panzanella
I love a traditional panzanella, I mean what’s there not to love about a bread salad? I’ve had a few iterations before, one being a more Mediterranean twist with chunky bits of sesame crusted bread. I wanted to create that but obviously with a twist. This Everything Bagel Panzanella is the type of salad you make for a weekend breakfast or brunch. It’s great for potlucks or church gatherings as it travels well and the longer it sits the better. Although you wouldn’t want to add the bread until just before serving. Soggy bread is a no no in my book.
If you’ve been looking for something out of the ordinary to make/serve for a weekend brunch, then look no further. This Everything Bagel Panzanella is the way to go. It’s hearty and super delicious. Definitely a keeper!
Everything Bagel Panzanella
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 3 everything bagels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 heirloom tomatoes chopped
- 3 Persian cucumbers chopped
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 4 radishes thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 large avocado diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 2 ounces smoked salmon optional
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Kosher salt and coarse black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bagels into large chunks. Toss with olive oil and spread out in an even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and toasted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, radish, capers, avocado, and dill. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- For the dressing, in a food processor combine the cream cheese, buttermilk, lemon juice, chives, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend until smooth. If you want it slightly thinner, drizzle in more buttermilk as needed.
- Right before serving the salad, toss the toasted bagels into the tomato mixture along with your desired amount of dressing and then top with the smoked salmon, if using. Garnish with more fresh dill and serve immediately. Enjoy!
