Panzanella

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Total: 1 hr
  • Active: 25 min
Advertisement

Ingredients

Croutons:

1 loaf very crusty Italian bread

2 tablespoons olive oil 

Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Salad:

4 assorted tomatoes (heirlooms, etc.), cut into wedges

1 cucumber, halved, seeded and cut into wedges 

1/2 red onion, cut into wedges 

20 to 25 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade, plus whole leaves, for serving 

Parmesan shavings, for topping

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. For the croutons: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  2. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange on a baking sheet. Drizzle the cubes with the olive oil and toss to coat. Put the pan in the oven to slightly crisp ("stale") the bread without toasting it, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
  3. For the dressing: In a small jar, shake together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
  4. For the salad: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and bread cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, tossing gently. Add the sliced basil and Parmesan shavings and toss again. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper and serve garnished with whole basil leaves.

Cook’s Note

If you want to avoid using the oven, you can cut up the bread and let it dry out at room temperature overnight.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Anonymous

Love this recipe! I added marinated grilled artichokes and mozzarella pearls. I make this in the afternoon let it chill in the fridge until time for dinner so all the flavors combine.

See All Reviews