Panzanella Toscana-Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad

5 from 12 votes

Panzanella Toscana-Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad

Panzanella is a classic Tuscan bread and tomato salad that's flavorful and fresh. Perfect for easy summer entertaining as a side salad or even a healthy light meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Bread, Salad

Servings:

Calories: 121kcal

Author: Lora

Equipment

Ingredients

3 cups artisan bread (or baguette) cut into 1-inch chunks
2 to 3 large heirloom tomatoes 3 pounds, about 8 cups chopped
½ large cucumber
½ medium red onion thinly sliced
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
½ cup thinly sliced basil

Instructions

Slice or tear the bread into large cubes (about 1-inch). Place them on a baking sheet and leave them out to harden overnight (if the bread is not old).
You could bake the bread in a 300 F oven until the crust is a little hardened but the inside is still soft. Made sure to move the bread around during the baking a couple of times.
Place the bread chunks into a small bowl. Add some lukewarm water on top of the bread chunks to let it soak in and soften the bread a little while you prep the vegetables and dressing. (It could take about ½ cup water).
Chop the tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.Thinly slice the red onions.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and a few grinds of fresh pepper; whisk together.
In a large bowl combine bread and chopped vegetables. Pour on the vinaigrette and gently stir together to combine all the flavors.
Let the salad sit at least half an hour before serving, or up to 4 hours, and that's when all the magic happens!
Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Best eaten the day it’s made.

Notes

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Since Panzanella is a simple salad with few ingredients, it's essential that you use the highest quality ingredients you can find. A flavorful artisan bread, ripe heirloom tomatoes, and the best quality extra-virgin olive oil will make all the difference in your salad.

1. Bread Choice Matters: Choose a sturdy, crusty bread that can stand up to the dressing and not turn mushy. Ciabatta, baguette or a rustic sourdough are all good choices.

1. Don't Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving lets the bread soak up the flavors of the dressing and tomatoes. This waiting period turns the salad from simply good to exceptional.

1. Add Fresh Ingredients Just Before Serving: Certain ingredients like fresh basil should be added just before serving to prevent wilting and to ensure the most vibrant flavors.

1. Watch the Salt: Since bread is a main ingredient in this salad, it's important to watch your salt. Bread, especially commercial varieties, can contain higher levels of salt, so be sure to taste as you go.

1. Make it Colorful: Experiment with different colors and varieties of tomatoes and cucumbers. This will not only add different flavors but also make the salad visually appealing.

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