Panzanella Salad Recipe

The Ultimate Panzanella Salad Recipe: A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

There’s something undeniably charming about a dish that brings together the simplicity of humble ingredients and the elegance of fine dining. Panzanella salad embodies this perfectly, delivering a taste of Italy that is fresh, vibrant, and satisfying. In this blog post, I’m sharing my personal journey with Panzanella, how Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa style inspired me, and the exact recipe that will turn your stale bread and fresh produce into culinary magic. Let’s dive in!

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What is Panzanella Salad?

Panzanella salad is a traditional Tuscan dish that turns stale bread into a gourmet delight. The salad is a brilliant combination of ripe tomatoes, stale bread cubes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. While the classic recipe is delicious, this ultimate version elevates it with a few twists, including grilled bread, peaches, and creamy burrata.

If you’ve ever watched Ina Garten whip up a salad on Barefoot Contessa, you’ll know how effortlessly she brings sophistication to simple recipes. Inspired by her approach, this recipe strikes a balance between tradition and creativity.

Ingredients for the Best Panzanella Salad

Here’s everything you need to make this incredible salad:

Salad Base:

4 cups of stale Italian or ciabatta bread, cubed

4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

2 ripe peaches, sliced

1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 ball of burrata cheese (about 4 oz)

Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1/4 cup capers

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup grilled zucchini or bell peppers (optional for added flavor)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preparing the Bread

The heart of a Panzanella salad lies in its bread. For the best results:

Use stale bread: Fresh bread doesn’t absorb the dressing as well. If you don’t have stale bread, lightly toast fresh bread in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Grill the bread: Brush your bread cubes with olive oil and grill them until lightly charred. This step adds a smoky depth to the salad.

2. Making the Dressing

Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until emulsified. The dressing should taste tangy and slightly garlicky.

3. Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the grilled bread cubes, tomatoes, peaches, cucumber, and red onion.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tear the burrata into pieces and place them on top just before serving.

4. Garnishing

Finish with fresh basil leaves and optional capers for a briny kick.

Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means each ingredient shines. Opt for farm-fresh tomatoes, ripe peaches, and good-quality olive oil.

2. Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 15-20 minutes after dressing ensures the bread absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy.

3. Season Generously: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste—tomatoes and bread need a bit of extra seasoning.

Product Recommendations

1. Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan

Want to achieve perfect grill marks on your bread? This grill pan is a game-changer. Its even heat distribution ensures beautifully charred bread without overcooking. Plus, it’s versatile enough for grilling veggies and meats.

Check it out on Amazon here!

2. Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For a dish as simple as Panzanella, the quality of your olive oil matters. Sola Stella’s rich, fruity flavor elevates the dressing to restaurant-quality standards. It’s a pantry must-have!

Shop now on Amazon!

3. OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner

Keeping your greens and veggies crisp is crucial. This salad spinner makes washing and drying a breeze, ensuring your cucumbers and basil are fresh and ready to go.

Get yours on Amazon today!

Why This Recipe is Barefoot Contessa-Worthy

Ina Garten’s culinary philosophy revolves around using simple ingredients to create extraordinary dishes, and this recipe embodies that perfectly. The addition of peaches and burrata feels indulgent, yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Ina’s influence also inspired the use of high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, making this dish a true standout.

Variations to Try

Traditional Panzanella

Stick to the basics by omitting peaches and burrata. Use just bread, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

Grilled Vegetable Panzanella

Add grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a smoky twist.

Winter Panzanella

Swap tomatoes and peaches for roasted squash and dried cranberries. Use a balsamic dressing instead.

FAQs

Can I Make Panzanella Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance but add the dressing and burrata just before serving to prevent sogginess.

What Can I Serve with Panzanella Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or a light pasta dish. For a fine dining experience, serve it alongside a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread?

Absolutely! Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the dressing.

Final Thoughts

Panzanella salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and a nod to the resourceful roots of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner or looking for an easy, flavorful meal, this salad delivers every time.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own masterpiece. If you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and tag me—let’s savor a taste of Italy together.

Happy cooking!