Tuscan Bread Salad
Transform your day-old bread into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish with this classic Tuscan Bread Salad, also known as Panzanella. This Italian-inspired recipe is a beautiful medley of rustic ingredients like crusty bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fragrant torn basil, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette infused with garlic. The addition of thinly sliced red onion and optional briny capers intensifies the fresh, summery flavors, while allowing the bread to absorb the dressing creates a delightful balance of textures. Perfect as a light meal or a refreshing side dish, this easy 15-minute recipe is a must-try for warm-weather gatherings or a quick taste of Italy any time of year!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Day-old crusty bread
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 large Cucumber (peeled and sliced into half moons)
- 0.5 large Red onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cups Fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 0.25 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Capers (optional)
Instructions
Cut the day-old bread into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch). If the bread is not dry or slightly stale, toast it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until slightly crisp but not browned.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and torn basil leaves. If using, add the capers at this stage.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the bread and vegetables in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the bread soaks up the dressing and the flavors are evenly distributed.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the juices from the tomatoes and dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the Tuscan Bread Salad as a light meal or a side dish. Garnish with extra basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
829 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.9 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1777 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.8 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.6 g | ||
| Protein | 24.3 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 286 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 9.9 mg | 55% | |
| Potassium | 627 mg | 13% | |
*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.
