April 16, 2025

Italian Panzanella Salad Recipe

Panzanella Salad is a traditional Italian salad that showcases rustic, stale bread tossed with fresh, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil, all drizzled with high-quality olive oil and vinegar.

what is the Panzanella salad and the origin of it:

Panzanella is a traditional Italian salad, originating from Tuscany, that highlights stale or leftover bread combined with fresh, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a dressing made of olive oil and vinegar. Its roots can be traced back to the rural cuisine of Tuscany, where peasants would use stale bread to avoid waste and create a nutritious meal during the summer months when tomatoes were in abundance. Over time, Panzanella evolved, incorporating various seasonal vegetables and herbs, making it a staple in Italian households and a beloved dish that reflects the simplicity and richness of Italian culinary traditions. The earliest documented references to Panzanella date back to the 14th century, illustrating its long-standing place in Italian gastronomy.

for making panzanella salad you will need:

For the Salad:

3 cups of stale rustic bread, cut into cubes (preferably ciabatta or country loaf)

2 cups lettuce

4 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks (heirloom varieties work well)

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

Salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Step by step panzanella salad recipe:

Prepare the Bread:

If your bread isn’t stale, preheat your oven to 190°C. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10-15 minutes until they are dry and lightly golden, stirring halfway through. Allow them to cool.

Prep the Vegetables:

While the bread is cooling, wash and cut the tomatoes into chunks. If using larger tomatoes, you might want to remove some seeds to avoid excess moisture.

Cut the lettuce.

Peel and thinly slice the red onion.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and basil leaves.

Dress the Panzanella salad:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the bread is well coated and the vegetables are evenly distributed. The bread will soak up the dressing and juices from the tomatoes.

Let It Rest:

Ideally, let the salad sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the juices.

Serve Panzanella salad:

Give the salad a final toss, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve it at room temperature. Enjoy your refreshing Panzanella salad!

SOME TIPS for making Panzanella salad recipe:

Here are some tips to enhance your Panzanella salad:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes and good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Choose the Right Bread: Use stale bread or ciabatta; it should be sturdy enough to hold up against the dressing without becoming mushy.
Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting the bread cubes can add a nice texture and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so the bread absorbs the flavors of the dressing and juices from the vegetables.
Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and freshness.
Vary the Vegetables: For added crunch and color, feel free to include other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or radishes.

These tips will help create a delicious and refreshing Panzanella salad!

frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Panzanella salad:

What type of bread should I use?

Use day-old or stale rustic bread, such as ciabatta or country loaf, for the best texture.

Can I use fresh bread?

While stale bread is preferred, fresh bread can be used if toasted lightly to help it absorb the dressing without getting mushy.

What ingredients are essential for Panzanella salad?

Key ingredients include ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, basil, and a good quality olive oil.

Can I add other ingredients?

Yes, you can customize Panzanella with ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or mozzarella.

How long can I store Panzanella salad?

It’s best served immediately, but can be stored in the fridge for a few hours; keep in mind the bread may become soggy.

Can I make it in advance?

Prepare the ingredients and dressing in advance but combine them shortly before serving to maintain freshness.

Is Panzanella salad vegan?

Yes, Panzanella is typically vegan, but always check the bread ingredients to ensure there are no animal products.