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Panzanella is a simple Italian bread salad, one of those recipes that always surprises. The ingredients are so basic, yet the results so wonderful. The next time you're faced with a slightly stale loaf of Italian bread or a plethora of tomatoes of any variety, this is the dish.



Yields8 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time25 mins

 3 1-inch thick slices of rustic Italian country bread
 1 tsp salt
 salt and freshly ground pepper
 3 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
 1 small English cucumber, diced
 1 stalk of celery diced
 ½ small red onion, diced
 ½ cup torn fresh basil leaves

1

Remove the crusts from the bread and tear the bread into 1/2inch (1 cm) (You should have about 5 cups (1.25 L) of bread). Place on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated 325° F (150°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until it’s dried out. Let cool and transfer to a large bowl.

2

In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar with the salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Whisk in the olive oil. Season with pepper and set aside.

3

Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of cold water over the staled bread. Toss well with your hands to moisten the bread.

4

Add the dressing, the tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and onion. Continue to toss with your hands until well incorporated.

5

Turn salad out onto a platter or shallow bowl. Garnish with the basil and serve immediately.


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Ingredients

 3 1-inch thick slices of rustic Italian country bread
 1 tsp salt
 salt and freshly ground pepper
 3 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
 1 small English cucumber, diced
 1 stalk of celery diced
 ½ small red onion, diced
 ½ cup torn fresh basil leaves

Directions

1

Remove the crusts from the bread and tear the bread into 1/2inch (1 cm) (You should have about 5 cups (1.25 L) of bread). Place on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated 325° F (150°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until it’s dried out. Let cool and transfer to a large bowl.

2

In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar with the salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Whisk in the olive oil. Season with pepper and set aside.

3

Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of cold water over the staled bread. Toss well with your hands to moisten the bread.

4

Add the dressing, the tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and onion. Continue to toss with your hands until well incorporated.

5

Turn salad out onto a platter or shallow bowl. Garnish with the basil and serve immediately.

Panzanella