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Fresh Italian Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe with Heirloom Tomatoes

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A vibrant and refreshing summer salad featuring day-old rustic Italian bread soaked in a tangy vinaigrette with juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and crisp cucumber. Perfect for light meals, picnics, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old rustic Italian bread, cubed (ciabatta or country loaf preferred)
  • 4 cups heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut about 6 cups of day-old rustic Italian bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, lightly toast cubes at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until just crisp but not hard. Let cool.
  2. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour about ½ cup cold water over them and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently press bread to absorb moisture without becoming soggy. Drain excess water.
  3. Roughly chop heirloom tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and tear fresh basil leaves by hand.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and basil to the soaked bread cubes. Pour dressing over and gently toss with salad servers or hands to combine.
  6. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak up juices.
  7. Before serving, toss salad again, taste, and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve in a large bowl or platter with an optional drizzle of good olive oil.

Notes

Use day-old bread to avoid mushy texture; lightly toast fresh bread if needed. Do not over-soak bread; it should be tender but hold shape. Let salad rest at room temperature for best flavor. Can be made dairy-free by skipping cheese additions. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread or grilled polenta cubes.

Nutrition

Keywords: panzanella, Italian bread salad, heirloom tomatoes, summer salad, rustic salad, bread salad, fresh basil, vinaigrette

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/fresh-italian-panzanella-bread-salad-recipe-with-heirloom-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect/