Dish

Cialledda

Cialledda is a salad made with stale bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and basil. The bread is soaked in water and then squeezed to remove excess water. The vegetables are then added to the bread and dressed with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cialledda is a great way to use up stale bread and is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in fiber.

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Salad

Origins and history

Cialledda is a traditional dish from the region of Puglia in Italy. It was originally made by farmers who used stale bread and fresh vegetables from their gardens to make a simple and nutritious meal.

Dietary considerations

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It is a low-calorie and high-fiber dish. It does not contain any allergens.

Variations

Cialledda can be made with different types of vegetables depending on what is in season. Some variations include adding olives, capers, or tuna.

Presentation and garnishing

To make the dish more flavorful, you can toast the bread before soaking it in water. You can also add some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to the dressing for a richer flavor. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips & Tricks

If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread and toast it in the oven until it is dry. You can also add some grilled chicken or fish to make it a more substantial meal.

Side-dishes

Cialledda can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish. Some side dishes that go well with Cialledda are roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fish.

Drink pairings

Cialledda is best served cold and can be garnished with fresh basil or parsley. It pairs well with white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.