Panzanella Salad is a classic Italian dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer with its combination of ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and fresh herbs. Originating from Tuscany, this salad is a wonderful way to use up stale bread and showcase the season’s best produce. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a side or a main dish!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

Large Bowl: For mixing the salad ingredients.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables and bread.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Whisk: For mixing the dressing.

Ingredient Overview

Bread: Use stale or day-old rustic bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, for the best texture.
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of this salad; heirloom or vine-ripened are excellent choices.
Cucumbers: Adds a refreshing crunch.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp bite; you can soak it in water to mellow the flavor if desired.
Basil: Fresh basil is essential for its aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the dressing.
Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds acidity and brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread
Tear or cut 4 cups of stale bread into bite-sized pieces. If the bread is not stale, you can toast it in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Chop the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 cucumber (diced), and 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced). If desired, soak the onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness, then drain.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients
Add the bread pieces to the bowl with the vegetables. Tear in 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves and pour the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together gently to combine, making sure the bread absorbs some of the dressing.
Let It Sit
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the juices from the tomatoes.
Serve
Serve the salad at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.

Recipe Tips

Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this salad greatly depends on the quality of the tomatoes and olive oil, so choose the freshest ingredients you can find.
Customize It: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or mozzarella to suit your taste.
Make Ahead: Panzanella is best enjoyed the same day, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them just before serving.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Panzanella Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a summer picnic spread. It can also be served alongside a light soup or as an appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
A: While stale bread is traditional, you can lightly toast fresh bread to achieve a similar texture.

Q: Is it necessary to use red onion?
A: You can substitute with green onions or shallots if you prefer a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Panzanella Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with more fresh basil for an appealing presentation.

Ingredients

4 cups stale rustic bread, torn into pieces
4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Tear or toast the bread until golden.
In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion (soaked if desired).
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
Add bread and basil to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over.
Toss gently and let sit for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Summary

Panzanella Salad is a delightful and easy dish that highlights the flavors of fresh summer produce. Its simplicity and versatility make it a must-try for any salad lover!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different seasonal vegetables and herbs to create your perfect version of this classic Italian salad!