Cialledda | Southern Italian Bread Salad Recipe
- Pasta Grammar
- Jul 31, 2022
- 2 min read
You heard that right, bread salad! It might sound strange, but rehydrating very stale bread (called "pane duro") in water yields an amazing texture: soft and gooey on the outside, with a firm al dente bite inside.

We have intentionally left the ingredient amounts vague, partly because measuring stale homemade bread is a fool's errand, and also because there are NO rules when it comes to this dish. Use enough bread to fill the serving dish you like, and adjust the other ingredients as you see fit. Add as much or as little of each as you like!
A quick note on the stale bread. It's very important that you use real, homemade bread. Most store-bought bread has added preservatives that specifically prevent it from becoming stale in the way we need it.
You can easily make pane duro by taking homemade bread, tearing it into large chunks, and baking them at a very low oven temperature (the lowest, we would recommend) until the bread is rock hard.
Watch the Pasta Grammar video where we make this recipe here:
For this recipe, you will need:
Chunks of stale, homemade bread ("pane duro")
Grape tomatoes, halved
Thinly sliced red onion
Peeled/chopped cucumber
Chopped mozzarella
Sliced kalamata olives
1-2 anchovies (don't be scared of these, they add a subtle umami flavor but you won't tell what it is)
Fresh basil
Salt
Fresh black pepper
Dried oregano
Extra virgin olive oil
Place the chunks of stale bread in a large bowl and fill it with water to submerge them. Let them soak for 60-90 seconds. Soaking "pane duro" is an art, not a science, so we recommend doing so for a shorter period of time, trying a piece, and soaking longer if necessary to achieve a softness you like. Drain the bread completely.

In a large serving bowl, combine the bread with grape tomatoes, sliced onion, cucumber, chopped mozzarella, and olives. Tear a couple of anchovies into small pieces and add these as well, along with some torn basil leaves.

Season the salad with salt, pepper and oregano to taste. Drizzle generously with olive oil and mix all together.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Buon appetito!
Using the Mahadev Book App has been a game-changer for me. Fast registration, easy betting on cricket and casino games, and super quick withdrawals—everything works smoothly on my phone! know more :- https://mahadevboook.social/mahadev-betting-app/
Mahadev Book Login was super quick and easy for me. I could instantly access live games and betting options. It’s secure, fast, and works great on both mobile and desktop know more :- https://mahadevboook.social/mahadev-book-login/
I got my Mahadev Book ID last week, and it’s been smooth sailing! Real-time odds, quick access to games, and total control over my bets. Highly recommend for beginners! know more :- https://mahadevboook.social/mahadev-book-id/
I've played a bunch of online games, but the aviator game really stands out to me. With its user-friendly navigation and thrilling rounds, it never gets dull.The aviator game login gives quick access to live rounds and exciting multipliers. Plus, the live crash stats and auto cash-out features add a whole new layer of strategy. You did a fantastic job explaining it here!
To learn more, visit: https://aviatorgame.solutions/
I’ve explored a handful of gaming platforms, but Sky Exchange really shines with its real-time updates and an impressive variety of games. The sky exchange login area is not only secure but also seamlessly integrated, giving you quick access to all the features and betting markets. And let’s not forget the enticing welcome bonuses and ongoing cashback offers that make the experience even more rewarding. If you’re on the hunt for a professional yet user-friendly betting site, look no further!
To learn more visit : https://skyexchangein.in/