A refreshing Italian bread salad
Who doesn’t love a hearty and refreshing salad? Today, we’re bringing you a delightful recipe for an Italian bread salad that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This dish, also known as Panzanella, is a summer favorite in Italy and is perfect for those hot sunny days. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make!
Best Time to Enjoy
This Italian bread salad is best enjoyed during the summer season when fresh and juicy tomatoes are in abundance. Its light and refreshing flavors make it an ideal dish to cool down on a sunny day.
A Popular Dish in Italy
Panzanella is a popular dish in Tuscany, Italy. It originated as a way to use up stale bread and has now become a staple in Italian cuisine. The combination of crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, and tangy dressing is simply irresistible.
Health Benefits
While Panzanella may not be the healthiest salad out there, it still offers some nutritional value. The tomatoes provide a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the bread gives you energy and fiber. Additionally, the olive oil in the dressing is rich in healthy fats.
So, whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or simply wanting to try something new, this refreshing Italian bread salad is the perfect choice. Get ready to indulge in the flavors of Italy!
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups bread cubed day-old
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- red onion small, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup basil chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the bread mixture and toss well to coat.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the dressing.
- Serve and enjoy!
This salad was a big hit at our BBQ! So fresh and tasty. I added some mozzarella too!
This is like a salad for old bread? Strange but I will try it. Panzanella, sounds fancy.
Isn’t this just soggy bread? I don’t get the hype.
Yum! The fresh basil made it really flavorful. Will make again!
Meh, wasn’t what I expected. I thought it was supposed to be more like a casserole? 🤷♀️
What is this even? Bread in a salad? Seems weird to me.
Panzanella is actually a classic Italian dish! The bread soaks up all the flavors. Once you try it, you might love it!
So easy to make! I used stale bread that I had lying around. Great way to not waste food!
Really fun salad, tho my mom always added tuna! But I liked this version too, weirdly.
This recipe is so simple and tasty! Perfect for summer. 👍
I made this with stale white bread and it was perfect! my kids actually ate it. 10/10!
10/10 with stale bread? Wow, are you sure? I always thought it needed fresh bread… 🤔
That’s awesome! Panzanella is really forgiving, even with stale bread. Glad your kids liked it!
It’s really simple to make! I threw in some bell peppers too. Tasted amazing.
Sounds delicious! I love when recipes are versatile. I might try adding olives next time!
I made this without the onions ’cause I’m allergic, and it was still yummy. Thanks for the recipe!
I made this with stale bread, and it was horrible. Sorry, but no.
U just gotta use good bread! Stale bread ain’t the same ya know. Also, sounds like u rushed it.
I don’t think stale bread would work well. Fresh bread is key for this! Maybe try again with fresh ingredients next time?
Just a salad? I don’t get what the big deal is. It’s just bread and veggies.
The recipe seems easy… But I didn’t have all the ingredients. Can I use any bread?
You can use any bread really, just make sure it’s not too fresh or it won’t soak up the dressing right!
I tried this but found it a bit soggy. Maybe less dressing next time?
Simple and delicious! I used sourdough bread and it added a nice tang. Will make again!
I can’t believe you used sourdough! That’s a great idea! I’m definitely trying that next time.
This is my go-to summer salad! The freshness of the tomatoes and basil pairs so well! Love it!
I totally agree! It’s the perfect dish for hot days. I usually add some mozzarella for extra creaminess. Yum!
Sounds good, but I don’t like raw onions. Can I leave them out?
I don’t think bread belongs in a salad. That’s just weird.
Panzanella is too soggy for my taste! I’m sticking to regular salad. 😩
I absolutely love this recipe! The mix of flavors is just perfect. I added some feta cheese and it was divine!
I don’t get how people eat bread in a salad… bread ruins everything!!!
Gotta be honest, I used balsamic vinegar instead and it was kinda sweet. Did I mess it up?
I gotta admit, I never tried a salad like this. It turned out to be awesome! Definitely making again.
Hmmm, where’s the protein? I’d never make a salad without chicken or something
Salad without meat? Seriously? That’s just a bowl of stuff! Who even eats that?
I get what you’re saying, but this recipe is all about the veggies! You can always add grilled chicken if you want that protein boost!
Meh, I don’t get why people rave about this. Just bread and veggies, not special.
Salad. Nice. Bread. Yummy.
Yum! My family loved it! 10/10 will make again!
I don’t like tomatoes, can I put in apples instead? 😂
This was quite tasty! Perfect for a hot day. I added some olives for extra flavor.
I tried this and felt like it needed something else… maybe some feta? Just my opinion.
Super easy to make! Used leftover baguette from last week. Yum!
This looks easy, but I’ve never had panzanella before. Is it supposed to be soggy?
Panzanella is a classic! Best in summer, especially with fresh veggies.
I dunno, man. Bread in a salad? Sounds kinda weird to me. I prefer my bread toasted.
Absolutely! Nothing beats fresh ingredients in summer. This salad is so refreshing!
My kids loved it! Even my picky eater tried the tomatoes.
I don’t get why you use old bread? Fresh is better, right? 🤷♂️ Still tasted alright tho.
This salad is a game-changer! So fresh and flavorful.