Summer Panzanella Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Summer Panzanella Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for warm days and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together while still feeling special.

Bold flavors: Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy dressing make every bite exciting.

Crunchy texture: Toasted bread cubes add a satisfying crunch that balances the soft veggies.

Versatile: Serve it as a side or add protein to turn it into a main dish—it’s up to you!

Recipe

This vibrant Summer Panzanella Salad is a revitalizing twist on the classic Italian bread salad, bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and toasted bread cubes. Perfect for warm days, it’s a light yet satisfying dish that celebrates seasonal produce.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
3. Whisk together remaining olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Add toasted bread to the vegetable mixture and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to coat. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• For extra flavor, add olives or capers.
• Use gluten-free bread if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 220 per serving

Cuisine: Italian

Equipment

To prepare a revitalizing summer panzanella salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to guarantee efficiency and precision. The right equipment helps streamline the process and enhances the dish’s quality.

• Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables and herbs
• Cutting board for safe and easy prep
• Baking sheet for toasting bread cubes
• Whisk or fork for blending the dressing
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions

Nutrition

This vibrant Summer Panzanella Salad is packed with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving.

What to Serve With This Recipe

I love serving this summer panzanella salad with grilled chicken or shrimp—it adds just the right amount of protein to make the meal feel complete. A crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade pairs perfectly, balancing the salad’s bright flavors. Trust me, this combo makes for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Grilled Protein Pairing

Though a summer panzanella salad is hearty on its own, I love pairing it with grilled protein to make it a complete meal. Try juicy chicken thighs with lemon zest, or smoky shrimp skewers for a lighter touch. Even a simple grilled steak, sliced thin, works wonders. The charred flavors blend perfectly with the salad’s brightness, turning it into a satisfying dinner you’ll crave all season.

Beverage Suggestions

When you’re enjoying a vibrant summer panzanella salad, the right drink can really tie the meal together. I love pairing it with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the fresh veggies and tangy dressing. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a fruity iced tea. Both keep the meal light and invigorating, perfect for warm days.