Best Easy Panzanella Recipe

Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion tossed in olive oil. This vegetarian mediterranean salad is a fresh, healthy family dish ideal for summer, clean eats, or a calorie deficit.

Cook 25 min Difficulty EASY 218 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • rustic Italian bread (day-old, cut into cubes) 3 cups
  • tomatoes (ripe, diced) 2 cups
  • cucumber (peeled, chopped) 1 cup
  • red onion (thinly sliced) 0.5 cup
  • fresh basil (torn) 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 4 tbsp
  • red wine vinegar 2 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 26 g 48%
Protein 6 g 11%
Fat 10 g 41%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway, until dry and golden.

  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix.

  3. 3

    Add the toasted bread cubes to the vegetables, ensuring the bread is evenly distributed.

  4. 4

    Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss thoroughly for 60 seconds, ensuring all bread cubes absorb some moisture.

  5. 5

    Add torn fresh basil and toss again. Let the salad stand for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to soften, but not get mushy. Serve at room temperature.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Panzanella Recipe?
The soul of Panzanella lies in the rustic Italian bread, which gives the salad its distinct texture and character. Toasting day-old bread creates a golden, slightly crunchy base that soaks up the vinaigrette, blending harmoniously with ripe tomatoes and fresh vegetables.
Q. How can I prevent the bread from becoming soggy in Panzanella?
To avoid soggy bread, make sure to toast the cubes until dry and golden before mixing. Toss the bread cubes gently with the vegetables and let them stand for only 20 minutes—just enough time for them to soften slightly without losing their structure. Serving at room temperature helps preserve texture.
Q. Which step helps the flavors meld perfectly in this recipe?
Letting the salad rest after tossing for at least 20 minutes is essential. This timing allows the bread to absorb the vinaigrette and vegetable juices, while basil infuses freshness. The balance between soaking and crispness is key to a well-composed Panzanella.
Q. How many calories are in each serving, and what is the carb-to-protein ratio?
Each 200g serving of this Best Easy Panzanella Recipe contains 218 kcal, with carbohydrates making up 48% and protein 11% of the total caloric content. This provides a balanced, light meal suitable for calorie-conscious diets.
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