Panzanella Italian Bread Salad
Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with this classic Panzanella Italian Bread Salad, a rustic Tuscan dish that transforms humble, stale bread into a culinary masterpiece. Bursting with juicy ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red onion, and fragrant fresh basil, this salad is elevated with a tangy red wine vinegar and garlic dressing that perfectly soaks into the toasted bread cubes. Optional capers add a briny zing, making this dish a versatile combination of textures and bold Mediterranean flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and refreshing recipe is perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale crusty bread
- 3 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 0.333 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Instructions
Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is not dry enough, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7–10 minutes, until lightly golden and firm, but not overly crisp.
Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel and seed the cucumber, then slice it into half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic clove, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and capers if using.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients.
Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the salad.
Let the salad rest for 20–30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the dressing.
Before serving, toss the salad once more and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
842 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.2 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1696 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.4 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.6 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 154 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 693 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
