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Classic Panzanella Salad (Tuscan Tomato and Bread Salad)

A close-up of a serving of Classic Panzanella Salad featuring juicy tomatoes, toasted bread chunks, red onion, and fresh basil.
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Follow this guide to make an authentic Tuscan Panzanella salad, which combines ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and bread soaked in a simple vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup good quality rustic bread (like sourdough or country loaf), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. If your bread is not stale, toast the cubes lightly in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until slightly dry. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic, if using. This is your dressing.
  3. Pour half of the dressing over the bread cubes. Gently toss the bread and let it sit for 10 minutes to begin soaking up the liquid.
  4. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl with the bread.
  5. Pour the remaining dressing over the vegetables and bread. Toss everything gently to combine.
  6. Let the salad rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the bread to fully absorb the juices and dressing.
  7. Just before serving, gently fold in the torn fresh basil leaves. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Serve the salad at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use the best quality, ripest tomatoes you can find; their juice is essential for the salad’s flavor.
  • For the best texture, do not over-soak the bread; it should be moist but still retain some structure.
  • This salad tastes best when made a few hours ahead, but do not prepare it more than 4 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/classic-panzanella-salad-tuscan-tomato-bread-salad/