Panzanella salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of a traditional Panzanella salad, featuring crunchy white bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy olives, fresh basil leaves, and a delightful garlic and olive oil dressing, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup red pepper4 slices white bread
1/3 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1.50 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup olives
1/2 cup basil leaves
1 tbsp vinegar
Panzanella is a classic Italian bread salad that's perfect for using up stale bread. This refreshing and flavorful dish combines crispy bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh basil, all tossed in a light garlic and vinegar dressing. It's an ideal summertime meal or the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the torn pieces of white bread on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle or brush 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the bread pieces, making sure they are well-coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
- While the bread is toasting, dice the red pepper and halve the cherry tomatoes and olives.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Roughly tear the basil leaves.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced red peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved olives.
- Add the minced garlic and the toasted bread chunks to the bowl.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil (approximately 1/12 cup) and the vinegar over the salad mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss everything together to ensure the bread soaks up the dressing and the flavors are well combined.
- Just before serving, add the torn basil leaves to the salad.
- Gently toss the salad once more to incorporate the basil evenly.
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate or bowl.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes.
- Allow the bread to sit out for a day or two, or lightly toast it to achieve the best consistency for the salad.
- Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like cucumbers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes after mixing to allow the bread to soak up the dressing.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to enhance the flavors of the salad.
Panzanella salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and the satisfying bite of toasted bread. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it's sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe, and don't hesitate to get creative with additional ingredients to make it your own!
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 70kcal
Protein 2.19g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 1.19g
Sugar 2.10g
Fat 12g
More recipes
Tomato basil avocado salad
This easy-to-make recipe features fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, aromatic basil leaves, tangy vinegar, and a dollop of hummus for a delicious and healthy meal under 10 minutes.
11 May 2025Beef carpaccio and asparagus rolls
An impressive appetizer or sophisticated light meal ready in no time.
16 Apr 2025Mushroom, potato & basil frittata
Ready in no time, it's a nutritious and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
20 Apr 2025Cranberry walnut spinach salad with blue cheese and vinegar
Perfectly balanced with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, this nutritious meal is great for any occasion.
02 Jun 2025Spaghetti with shrimps and fresh tomato
Infused with a splash of white wine and a hint of red hot chili peppers, this easy and vibrant pasta recipe promises a deliciously satisfying meal.
14 Mar 2025Two-potato salad
Wholesome and flavorful, it's a must-try for your next dining experience.
23 Nov 2025