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Panzanella

A delicious Tuscan bread salad that's a perfect summertime side for chicken, meat or fish that's grilled or roasted. This salad is easy to put together and you can add your favorite ingredients.

Course Salad, Side
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword Italian Bread Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Panzanella, Summer Salad, Tuscan Salad, Vegetable and Bread Salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Author The Tiny Fairy

Ingredients

Panzanella

  • 1 French baguette, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • pinch kosher salt prefer Diamond brand
  • pinch fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 3 plum tomatoes, seeded and cubed
  • 1 hothouse cucumber, cut in half and diced on bias 1/2 inch thick a.k.a. English or European cucumber
  • 1 red bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cubed
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 20 basil leaves, rough chop
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • sea salt and pepper, to taste

Classic French Vinaigrette with Garlic (southern France style)

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
  • 1 medium garlic clove, grated about 1 teaspoon
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt prefer Diamond brand
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Panzanella

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spread French bread cubes on a sheet pan. Coat with about 3 Tablespoons of olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper and dry Italian seasonings that have been crushed between the palms of your hands. Toss everything to combine and bake until golden, about 10-15 minutes.

    Note: You could crisp the bread in a large skillet as well. You may need to do so in batches.

  2. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion and basil leaves. Set aside.

  3. Make the vinaigrette by combining all the ingredients in a mason jar and shaking vigorously for 30 minutes.

  4. When the bread cubes are golden, add to the salad bowl, pour the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Add the feta cheese and toss again.

  5. Optional: Finish with a little Maldon sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Serve with your favorite grilled or roasted meat.