Panzanella Salad
A celebration of summer's bounty, this Panzanella Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors. Crispy toasted bread mingles with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella, all kissed by a vibrant balsamic vinaigrette. It's a rustic Italian masterpiece perfect for any occasion.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
22 g
-
Cholesterol
18 mg
-
Fiber
2 g
-
Protein
9 g
-
Saturated Fat
6 g
-
Sodium
535 mg
-
Sugar
4 g
-
Fat
24 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). (5 minutes)
02 Step
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In a large bowl, toss the torn bread with 1/3 cup olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. (3 minutes)
03 Step
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Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. (2 minutes)
04 Step
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Toast in the preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, about 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. (12 minutes)
05 Step
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Remove from oven and let the toasted bread cool slightly in the bowl. (10 minutes)
06 Step
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In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (3 minutes)
07 Step
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Add the tomato wedges, sliced red onion, basil chiffonade, and halved olives to the bowl with the toasted bread. (5 minutes)
08 Step
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Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated. (2 minutes)
09 Step
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Gently fold in the mozzarella pearls. (1 minute)
10 Step
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Let the salad stand for at least 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soften slightly. This is crucial for the perfect Panzanella texture. (20 minutes)
11 Step
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Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy immediately!
For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling the tomatoes and red onion before adding them to the salad.
If you don't have day-old bread, you can dry out fresh bread by leaving it uncovered overnight or toasting it lightly in a low oven.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or even grilled zucchini.
Aged balsamic vinegar will add a richer, sweeter flavor to the vinaigrette.
If you want to make this ahead of time, dress the salad just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.8/ 5 ( 338 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (5)
Dayna West
May 2, 2025This salad is a total winner! The toasted bread adds such a great crunch, and the balsamic vinaigrette is perfectly tangy.
Jettie Hermiston
Jul 16, 2024I've made this Panzanella Salad several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to customize with whatever vegetables are in season.
Louie Schamberger
Oct 22, 2023I made this for a summer BBQ, and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about the fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Jerrold Anderson
Jul 27, 2023Letting the salad sit for 20 minutes is key! It allows the bread to absorb the flavors and creates the perfect texture.
Eliza Spencer
Jul 15, 2023The tip about grilling the tomatoes is genius! It adds a smoky sweetness that takes this salad to the next level.