Panzanella Salad is a Tuscan salad with bread, tomatoes, herbs and a simple vinaigrette. It’s the perfect way to enjoy summer tomatoes!
My summer garden is overflowing with tomatoes. OVER. FLOWING. I’ve got so many tomatoes, I am not sure at all how I am going to use them all.
I started by making these Fried Green Tomatoes. Because obviously. I also see a lot of tomato sauce, tomato sandwiches and homemade salsa in my future.
And also this Panzanella Salad because HOLY MOLY is it good. It’s so simple too and that is why I love it.
What is Panzanella?
Panzanella originated in Italy and is a classic Tuscan chopped salad dish. It is generally made with bread and vegetables and dressed with olive oil and vinegar. It’s simple, rustic and a popular dish in the summer time.
What are Panzanella Ingredients?
Traditionally panzanella salad has stale bread and tomatoes. This Panzanella recipe also has bread and tomatoes but I also threw in some arugula, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella.
The dressing is a simple dressing made of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and garlic.
How do you make Panzanella Salad?
Step one: Toast the bread. When you pour the dressing over the salad, the bread will soak up a lot of it. If you don’t toast the bread first, it will be too soggy.
Step two: Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
Step three: Combine the ingredients for the salad together in a bowl.
Step four: When ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing. If you’re making everything ahead of time, I would keep the salad and the dressing ingredients separate until you are ready to serve. Then toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
What kind of bread do you need for panzanella?
The best bread for making panzanella is a crusty rustic bread like como. It’s even better if it’s a day or two old. Rustic breads will hold up a bit better to the vinaigrette.
Speaking of the vinaigrette. Let’s talk olive oil.
Picking the right olive oil:
With such a simple salad, it is essential that all of the components are the of the highest quality. And in my opinion, nothing can ruin a salad vinaigrette faster than the wrong olive oil.
For this salad, you’ll want to use an extra virgin olive oil. Some can be bitter for my taste but I have found that Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil is smooth and has a great subtle flavor. I buy mine at Trader Joe’s but have found it in my grocery store as well. With that said, use whatever high quality olive oil that you like.
The point is, the flavor is going to really shine so you’ll want to make sure it’s something that you love the flavor of.
So the next time you’re looking for a hearty salad this summer, look no further than this Easy Panzanella Salad.
Wondering what to serve with Panzanella? Check out these recipes!
Flat Iron Steak with Balsamic Reduction
For more Classic Italian Recipes, check these out!
The Best and Easiest Garlic Bread
Servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups 1-inch bread cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 3 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 ounces mozzarella diced
- handful of fresh basil (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Turn on oven broiler.
- Toss bread cubes with oil, salt and granulated garlic. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil 1 - 2 minutes or until toasted. Alternately, this can be done in a skillet. Simply cook the bread until browned. Allow to cool.
- Combine toasted bread with remaining salad ingredients together in a bowl.
- Whisk together salad dressing ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss to coat. Serve.
I’ve never tried or heard about panzanella salad but it surely looks delicious. Absolutely love the flavors and all the colors. I will definitely give this salad a try.
What a fresh looking dish for summer. And your photos are absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to give this a try.
I am so glad that you explained what panzanella was, because I had no idea!! It sounds super delicious though, so count me in!!
what a wonderful recipe. So refreshing and delicious this salad looks!
Fresh vegetables and this Balsamic Vinaigrette make this panzanella salad a must-have for this week’s lunches.
I have yet to try a panzanella salad! I don’t know what I’m waiting for as I know this salad would be a hit in my house. Any salad with toasted bread in it gets high praise from my husband! Can’t wait to try this one!
One of my favorite recipes! We enjoued thi sand the bread crumbs in it are so good! It’s like a meal!
Panzanella salad is our very favorite!! I always make it for our family gatherings. We usually add red peppers to ours along with anchovies and red wine vinegar. So yummy!!!! Your salad looks so fresh and inviting.
Oh girl, this looks divine! I love finding new recipes packed with flavor. Thanks for sharing this!
Mmm I just love panzanella salad and yours look so bright and beautiful! I’m craving this right now for lunch!
This salad looks amazing! I love the yummy summer flavours that are going on here. It’s so refreshing!
Now this is a summer salad full of flavor and beautiful colors. Like you said it is a great way to use up all the tomatoes that are growing in the garden.
YUM!!! I love this delicious version!!!
So fresh and delicious! Perfect summer flavors!
I’ve tried Panzanella Salad and it’s amazing! So glad to make it at home now!
YES!!! I cannot wait to make this! All of my favorite summer flavors in one giant bowl!
I have so many summer tomatoes to use; this is a great recipe to put them to work! Looks amazing; can’t wait to try!
What a great salad with dinner tonight! So light and flavorful; delicious!