Panzanella Recipe: Classic Tuscan Bread and Tomato Salad 2026

Panzanella is a traditional Tuscan salad built on stale bread and peak-season vegetables. It is the kind of dish that turns a humble loaf into something bright, juicy, and completely satisfying.

The bread soaks up water and vinegar, then gets tossed with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Fresh basil and a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil bring everything together.

It is a perfect summer salad, and it gets even better after a short rest in the fridge. Serve it as a starter or as a side dish right in the center of the table.

Ingredients for Panzanella

This makes 4 servings.

• 100 g stale bread
• 60 ml water
• 30 ml vinegar
• Half a cucumber
• 2 tomatoes
• Half a red onion
• 5-6 basil leaves
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

How to Make Panzanella Step by Step

1. Cut the Stale Bread

The base of panzanella is the bread, which should preferably be a compact loaf with plenty of crumb. Ideally it should be a couple of days old and hard, since it will be soaked in water and vinegar. Start by cutting 100 g of stale bread into large cubes.

2. Soak the Bread

Place the stale bread in a bowl and add 60 ml of water and 30 ml of vinegar. Mix well and let it rest for 45 minutes.

3. Chop the Vegetables

While the bread rests, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Peel half a cucumber in strips and then cut it in half to slice thin half-moons. Cut 2 tomatoes into eighths and half a red onion into fine julienne.

4. Mix the Bread with the Vegetables

Once the bread has rested for 45 minutes, add the cucumber, tomato, and onion to the bowl and mix all these ingredients well.

5. Dress the Panzanella

Add about 5 or 6 basil leaves torn into small pieces with your hands, salt, ground black pepper, and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

6. Chill in the Fridge

Keep the panzanella in the fridge until it is time to serve. The rest lets all the flavors concentrate so it tastes even better.

7. Serve the Panzanella

Serve this delicious Italian salad as a first course or as a side dish in the center of the table.

Tips for the Best Panzanella

Choose the Right Bread

Use a compact loaf with plenty of crumb that is a couple of days old. Hard, stale bread holds up to the water and vinegar without turning to mush.

Use Ripe Summer Vegetables

The most classic version uses ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, all dressed with fresh basil and good extra virgin olive oil. The better the vegetables, the better the salad.

Make It Ahead

Ideally, prepare panzanella a little in advance. It needs time to rest in the fridge so all the flavors concentrate and the salad becomes even tastier.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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