Description
Authentic Panzanella Salad is a classic Italian bread salad that combines ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, fresh basil, and a light vinaigrette. This refreshing and rustic salad is perfect for summer meals and makes great use of day-old bread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to slightly soften.
- In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the tomato mixture to the bread cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the bread absorbs the flavors.
- Let the salad sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the bread to soak up the dressing.
- Serve fresh, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread may become too mushy.
- Cherry tomatoes can be used for added sweetness and color.
- For a heartier salad, add mozzarella or feta cheese cubes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook/Marinate
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
