Summer Panzanella Salad

Panzanella salad offers a taste of Tuscan summer in every bite. This easy recipe features plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh basil, all tossed in a red-wine and Dijon vinaigrette and finished with golden baked bread cubes for a chewy yet crispy treat. Level up your lunch game with this vibrant, fragrant, and flavorful salad.

Panzanella is like a summer garden in a bowl! It's just so pretty and flavorful and smells amazing too.

This is a robust salad with Italian roots, known for its vibrant colors, unique textures, and combination of garden-fresh ingredients.

★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

Panzanella salad is a traditional Italian dish originating from Tuscany. It's a refreshing and hearty salad that makes use of crusty (even better if it's stale!) bread, typically a rustic country-style loaf but baguettes or ciabatta bread can also be used.

This simple summer panzanella salad recipe features bread cubes, grape tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, and fresh basil all tossed in a red-wine and Dijon vinaigrette.

This salad is vegetarian but can be made into a meal by adding a protein. Chicken or steak are both great options

Panzanella is a versatile dish that can be adapted to include seasonal vegetables. It's a perfect summertime dish, making the most of fresh, ripe produce.

For more sophisticated flavor, you can layer in more decadent ingredients like capers, olives, or even cheese (such as mozzarella or feta).

This makes an excellent salad to make ahead for lunch. The bread will leave you satisfied and full until dinner.

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

You'll need some base ingredients plus any extras you'd like.

Here's a look at what goes into the base recipe:

The Salad

• Sturdy bread. You can use ciabatta bread, a baguette, or any crust bread loaf. If it's stale, that's great! The bread chunks are essentially a different style of crouton.
• Fresh basil. This adds amazing flavor and aroma.
• Olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or grape seed oil.
• Salt and pepper. I like to use fresh ground pepper and sea salt for a touch more flavor.
• Tomatoes. I love to use tri-colored tomatoes because they are just gorgeous, plump and perfectly sized. Vine tomatoes also work well since they are very flavorful and not too watery. Really, any tomato is fine. Use what you have!
• Red onion. The adds a touch of sweetness as well as beautiful color.
• English cucumber. Removing the seeds is optional. A lot of times I leave them in so it's really your personal preference. You can even use regular cucumbers, they will just be a bit more watery.

If you'd like, you can also add in some mixed salad greens.

The Dressing

• Olive oil. Again, grapeseed or avocado can also be used.
• Salt and pepper.
• Red wine vinegar. This is my favorite for it's lovely flavor, but you can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if you're in a pinch.
• Dijon mustard. This is actually optional but layers in a bit of creaminess and some Earthy spice.
• Garlic. You can use fresh grated, garlic paste, or garlic powder depending on what you prefer.
• Basil. You can use fresh (always best!) or dried for the dressing.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

This salad comes together in 3 main steps.

Here's a look at what's involved. It's pretty simple.

• Cube bread and bake.
• Combine dressing ingredients.
• Chop vegetables and basil.
• Toss everything together in a large bowl then serve.

★ Tips & FAQs ★

Experiment with Herbs

Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile. Besides basil, try adding mint, parsley, or oregano for an extra burst of freshness.

Choose Fresh Ingredients

Use the freshest and ripest summer vegetables for maximum flavor. Look for vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant basil.

Can I use any type of bread for Panzanella?

While traditional Italian bread like ciabatta is preferred, you can experiment with other rustic varieties like sourdough or whole-grain. The key is to use a dense and somewhat dry bread that can hold up well when combined with the salad ingredients.

How far in advance can I prepare the Panzanella salad?

If you're making this ahead as meal prep, the night before for dinner, or an event, assemble everything but the bread. Add bread right before serving.

Can I make a Panzanella salad without tomatoes?

While tomatoes are a classic ingredient, you can substitute or complement them with other summer vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even grilled corn for a unique twist.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the bread may lose its crunchiness over time so you may want to remove the bread before storing and add additional fresh bread or croutons when serving leftovers.

Can I add protein to this panzanella salad?

Yes, you can add cheese, hard boiled egg, shrimp, chicken, steak or even marinated tofu or chickpeas for a satisfying meal.

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