Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad)
Panzanella
A colourful Tuscan salad that transforms stale bread into a refreshing summer meal with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, basil, and a sharp red wine vinaigrette. Panzanella is the ultimate no-waste dish and delivers surprising nutrition from its vegetable-heavy base.
Time
15m
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Budget
$
The Story
Panzanella originated in Tuscany as a way for frugal cooks to use day-old bread that had hardened in the dry Tuscan climate. The earliest versions were simply bread soaked in water with onion and vinegar. Tomatoes were added after arriving from the Americas in the 16th century, and the modern salad version became popular in the 20th century. Today it is a staple of Tuscan summer menus and trattorias worldwide.
✓Healthy Swaps & Tips
- • Use whole-grain bread for extra fibre and B vitamins.
- • Add canned tuna or white beans for protein (turns it into a complete meal).
- • Reduce bread to 100g and increase cucumber and tomato for a lighter version.
Ingredients
- 200gday-old rustic breadtorn into chunks
- 4 largeripe tomatoeschopped
- 1cucumbersliced
- ½red onionthinly sliced
- large handfulfresh basil
- 3 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbspred wine vinegar
- 1 tbspcapersdrained
- to tastesalt and pepper
Instructions
If bread is very hard, soak briefly in water and squeeze out excess. If just stale, use as is — it should be dry enough to absorb dressing.
Combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and capers in a large bowl.
Add bread chunks and toss together.
Dress with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the juices and dressing.
Tear basil leaves over the top and serve at room temperature.
Common Questions
What bread works best for panzanella?
A dense, rustic, unsalted Tuscan-style bread works best because it absorbs dressing without becoming mushy. Ciabatta or sourdough also work well.
Can I make panzanella ahead?
Prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead, but add the bread only 10–15 minutes before serving to maintain some texture.
Nutrition per serving
Estimated values based on standard ingredients.
Nutrition info is provided as a general guide. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
