Panzanella Italian Bread Salad

Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with this classic Panzanella Italian Bread Salad, a rustic Tuscan dish that transforms humble, stale bread into a culinary masterpiece. Bursting with juicy ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red onion, and fragrant fresh basil, this salad is elevated with a tangy red wine vinegar and garlic dressing that perfectly soaks into the toasted bread cubes. Optional capers add a briny zing, making this dish a versatile combination of textures and bold Mediterranean flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and refreshing recipe is perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale crusty bread
• 3 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 1 medium red onion
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.333 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is not dry enough, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7–10 minutes, until lightly golden and firm, but not overly crisp.

Step 2

Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel and seed the cucumber, then slice it into half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic clove, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and capers if using.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Step 6

Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the salad.

Step 7

Let the salad rest for 20–30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the dressing.

Step 8

Before serving, toss the salad once more and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2196.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3351.7

Total Fat 95.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7428.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 527.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.4g	0%
Total Sugars 45.7g
Protein 86.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 576.4mg	0%
Iron 27.2mg	0%
Potassium 2962.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.0%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 63.6%