Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe

If you have ever been to an Italian restaurant and were served panzanella salad as part of your dinner you know how light yet satisfying this dish is. Fresh, crisp vegetables tossed together with toasted bread cubes and drizzled with a light vinaigrette dressing.

It is the perfect salad to serve in the summer when fresh vegetables are plentiful. In fact, it has become an extremely popular salad to serve at summer holiday gatherings such as Independence Day and Labor Day.

Sometimes known as tomato bread salad, this recipe combines the simplicity of ingredients to make the perfect salad without the need for lettuce. Toasted bread cubes are used as the filler in place of the lettuce.

It is a great way to use day old, fresh baked bread. However I also make this salad whenever I have leftover hot dog and hamburger buns after hosting a backyard cookout.

It takes little time to prepare and you can’t beat the taste of the fresh chopped vegetables and bread in the tangy dressing. However don’t only think of this recipe when you want to make a salad to start off your meal.

Just like when you make a Cucumber and Onion Salad, you can use this salad as a side dish for a small or large gathering. Although it also makes for an easy light lunch in the middle of the day.

No matter when you decide to enjoy it, the fresh vegetables and hearty, crunchy bites of bread are hard to resist. 

Panzanella Salad Recipe Tips

Use Stale Bread:

To make this easy Panzanella salad it is best to use stale bread. This is what is also common known as day-old bread. 

Think of a fresh loaf of French or Italian bread that’s just a tad crispy on the outside but still slightly chewy on the inside. This texture is the perfect consistency to toss with the vegetables and dressing.

Simply tear the bread into rustic chunks, and use a serrated knife to cut the bread into cubes. If your bread isn’t quite stale, no worries!

Simply place olive oil in a large skillet and lightly brown the bread cubes on all sides. Or you can also put it the cubes in the oven and lightly toasted them. However for an even quicker method, simply add in some ready made croutons and you’re good to go.  

Tomatoes:

Because this salad is made with just a few ingredients, you want to choose ones that give you the most flavor. Therefore it is best to use cherry, grape, or heirloom tomatoes to make panzanella salad.

These variety of tomatoes are full of flavor and will add slight hint of sweetness that compliments the vinaigrette dressing so well.

Other Vegetables:

This is the perfect time to add a variety of colorful vegetables to your salad. Bell peppers, cucumbers and red onion not only provide great color, but also a variety of flavors and textures. There is no need to peel the cucumber, however you can if you prefer.

Basil:

It is always best to use fresh basil in your salad. Simply stack your fresh basil leaves, then roll and slice them into thin ribbons. Once they’re added to the mix, you have what smells like a fragrant, Italian meal.

EASY HOMEMADE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

A classic panzanella salad is not only known for the actual salad ingredients, but also for the way the ingredients absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette dressing. Although there are several varieties of dressing that you can use to toss the salad, it is best to make a simple homemade dressing.

With just a few basic ingredients, you will have created a dressing that packs in a ton of flavor. And it all starts with the basics of olive oil and vinegar.

However, because there are only a few ingredients required, it is best to use a good olive oil. I keep a high quality olive oil in my pantry just for recipes like this one.

Next it is time to choose the type of vinegar that you want to use. Luckily you can use just about any type of vinegar to make this dressing.

If you like a mild vinegar taste, it is best to use champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar. And if you want a strong vinegar flavored dressing chose distilled white vinegar.

Although if you like to have something in between, the best vinegar to use for panzanella salad is apple cider vinegar. It has a medium flavored profile that pairs well with the other ingredients.

And speaking of the other ingredients you will need Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. That is it!

Simply whisk the ingredients together and drizzle it over top of your salad and toss. The bread will immediately soak in the dressing.

However the dressing will also coat the vegetables giving you great flavor in every bite.

Easy Panzanella Salad Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small French bread loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large, ripe heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1-inch sections
• 1 English cucumber, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick sections
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch sections
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch sections
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 15-20 basil leaves, coarsely chopped

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet placed over low-medium heat. Add the bread cubes and sprinkle salt over top of the bread. Cook tossing frequently, for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the bread from the skillet and set aside.

Next, make the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together until well incorporated. Then, set aside.

Then, in a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, and basil. Carefully toss to mix.

Last, add the bread cubes and toss. Drizzle the dressing over top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, serve immediately or let sit for 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations & Additions

Feeling adventurous? Give your easy panzanella salad some more personal flair. Throw in some extra ingredients like capers or olives for an added salty bite. 

Or if you are looking for something more filling and substantial add in some protein like grilled chicken, salmon or hard boiled eggs and you will have a complete light, yet filling meal. 

Other Popular Salad Recipes

Check these additional recipes for more filling and flavorful salads!

Easy Cobb Salad Recipe

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Cucumber and Onion Salad Recipe

Avocado Tuna Salad

Enjoy! Mary

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