Panzanella Tomato Salad

Name: Panzanella Tomato Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 cup stale crusty bread; 4 large ripe tomatoes; 1 cucumber; 1 red onion; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 clove garlic; salt and freshly ground black pepper

Colorful bowl of Panzanella Tomato Salad featuring olives, tomatoes, and bread.

What You’ll Find Here

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When it comes to celebrating the flavors of summer, few dishes can rival the sheer delight of a Panzanella Tomato Salad. This classic Italian recipe is a celebration of simplicity and freshness, combining ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and an array of garden-fresh ingredients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create the perfect Panzanella salad, offering valuable tips, variations, and nutritional insights along the way.

Panzanella, a classic Italian salad, traces its origins back to Tuscany, Italy. This rustic dish has humble beginnings as a way to use up stale bread and celebrate the bounty of the summer harvest. It was born out of necessity, reflecting the resourceful spirit of the Italian people. The name “panzanella” comes from two Italian words: “pane,” meaning bread, and “zanella,” meaning soup bowl, highlighting its use of bread soaked in liquids.

Historically, panzanella was a simple peasant dish made from bread, onions, and tomatoes, all plentiful ingredients in the region. Over time, the recipe evolved to include additional vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and basil, enhancing its flavors and textures.

Today, panzanella is celebrated not only for its ability to repurpose stale bread but for its vibrant and fresh flavors. It’s become a beloved summer salad enjoyed throughout Italy and worldwide, showcasing the essence of the Mediterranean diet and the importance of quality, seasonal ingredients.

Panzanella, also known as "panmolle," is a Tuscan salad that hails from the heart of Italy. This dish is the embodiment of Italian cucina povera, a cuisine that transforms humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Panzanella is characterized by its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and the ingenious use of stale bread to soak up the juices of ripe tomatoes and other garden vegetables. The result? A medley of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the sun-soaked fields of Tuscany.

Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife: Buy On Amazon
Cutting board: Buy On Amazon
Large mixing bowl: Buy On Amazon
Serving platter or salad bowl: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon

Author: Anna Cuisine: Italian Courses: Appetizer, Salad, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Prep Time 20 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6 Calories: 266.48 Best Season: Summer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by tearing or cutting the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Mark as complete
Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, torn basil leaves, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the bread.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
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Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
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Let the Panzanella salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the delicious juices.
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Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure even distribution of flavors.
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Transfer the salad to a serving platter or salad bowl.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 266.48kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14.99g24%
Saturated Fat 2.02g11%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Cholesterol 0.29mg1%
Sodium 470.71mg20%
Potassium 448.97mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 27.9g10%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g17%
Sugars 7.51g
Protein 5.9g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.

Note

Tips and Variations:

Customize your Panzanella salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chunks of mozzarella cheese for extra protein.
Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or focaccia, for unique flavor and texture variations.
Try using heirloom tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Panzanella Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own, as a refreshing side dish at picnics and barbecues, or as a starter for Italian-themed dinners.

Allergen Information:

Panzanella is a naturally allergen-friendly dish, but be cautious about specific ingredients:

Gluten: The primary allergen in this dish is gluten, which comes from the bread. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or croutons.
Onions: While not a common allergen, some individuals may have allergies to onions. You can omit them or substitute with green onions or chives.

Wine or Drink Pairing:

Panzanella pairs well with a variety of beverages that complement its refreshing and vibrant flavors:

White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. These wines accentuate the salad's fresh ingredients.
Rosé: A light and fruity rosé wine is another great option. It offers a balance of acidity and fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and vegetables.
Lemonade: A homemade or artisanal lemonade is a non-alcoholic alternative that harmonizes with the salad's tangy vinaigrette.
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing and calorie-free pairing, enjoy panzanella with sparkling water or mineral water. The effervescence complements the salad's bright flavors.

Storage and Leftovers:

Panzanella is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, follow these tips to maintain its quality:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover panzanella in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume it within 1-2 days to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
Bread Separation: To preserve the salad's texture, consider storing the bread separately from the vegetables and dressing. Assemble them just before serving.
Reviving Stale Bread: If the bread becomes overly moist, you can crisp it up by placing it in the oven at a low temperature until it regains its crunch.

Keywords: Panzanella salad, Italian tomato salad, Tuscan bread salad, Summer salad, Fresh basil, Crusty bread, Balsamic vinaigrette, Easy recipe, Vegetarian, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Panzanella salad?

Panzanella is a traditional Italian salad made primarily from stale bread and fresh vegetables, typically tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s a vibrant and refreshing dish that utilizes leftover bread, making it a sustainable choice. The salad is dressed with a vinaigrette, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the bread absorbs the juices from the vegetables.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for Panzanella?

While stale bread is ideal for Panzanella because it holds up better in the dressing, you can use fresh bread if needed. To mimic the texture of stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven to dry them out a bit before adding them to the salad. This will help prevent sogginess.

What vegetables can I add to Panzanella salad?

Panzanella is versatile, and you can customize it with various vegetables. In addition to tomatoes and cucumbers, consider adding bell peppers, radishes, or zucchini. Herbs like parsley and basil enhance the flavor, while ingredients like avocado or feta cheese can add creaminess and richness to the dish.

How long should I let Panzanella sit before serving?

Allow the Panzanella salad to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together, and the bread absorbs the juices from the tomatoes and dressing, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.

Can I make Panzanella salad in advance?

While Panzanella is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance by chopping the vegetables and making the vinaigrette. Store the components separately and assemble them just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. If you have leftovers, consume them within 1-2 days for the best texture.

How do I store leftover Panzanella salad?

To store leftover Panzanella, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to separate the bread from the vegetables and dressing to maintain texture. Consume leftovers within 1-2 days. If the bread becomes soggy, you can crisp it up in the oven at a low temperature before serving.

What dressing is typically used for Panzanella?

Panzanella salad is typically dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garlic, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor of the dressing. Feel free to customize the vinaigrette by adding herbs or Dijon mustard for extra zing.