Description
Panzanella is a classic Italian bread salad featuring toasted crusty bread combined with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and fresh basil. Tossed in a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing, this rustic and refreshing salad captures the vibrant flavors of summer produce perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bread is golden and crisp.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and torn fresh basil leaves to build the salad base.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a simple and flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad Components: Add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl with the vegetables, then pour the dressing over the mixture.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and coat the bread and vegetables while keeping the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Rest the Salad: Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature so the bread absorbs some of the dressing and the flavors meld together, while the bread still maintains some crispness.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes to maximize taste.
- Day-old rustic bread is ideal as it absorbs dressing well without becoming mushy.
- For extra richness, consider adding mozzarella, burrata, or olives.
- Allowing the salad to rest longer intensifies its traditional flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
