This recipe for Panzanella Salad is made with crunchy garlic parmesan croutons, creamy mozzarella, and a colorful mix of fresh veggies. It's tossed in the best homemade vinaigrette, which adds the perfect balance of flavors.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Panzanella Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Panzanella
• 🔪 How to Make a Panzanella Salad
• 💡 Tips for This Panzanella Salad Recipe
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Panzanella Bread Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What's in Panzanella?
• Does the Bread Get Soggy in Panzanella?
• Can I Make the Croutons in Advance?
• What Type of Bread is Best for Panzanella Salad?
• 🍽️ More Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Panzanella Recipe

• Parmesan garlic seasoned crunchy croutons
• Sweet, juicy tomatoes
• Creamy mozzarella, crisp cucumbers and briny olives
• Colorful mix of fresh veggies
• Tossed in an easy homemade tangy vinaigrette 
• Quick and easy salad

This panzanella salad recipe is like creating a party in a bowl. It's made with a simple mix of crisp veggies, crunchy croutons, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella. Though it's a simple, rustic Tuscan dish, the combination of flavors and textures is so delicious that it's hard to even put them into words.

Panzanella is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled on a hot summer day. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or seafood, but it's so satisfying that it can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

Whether you're looking to use up leftover bread or simply want to enjoy fresh summer tomatoes and cucumbers, panzanella salad is a delicious solution.

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors in this salad, make sure you also check out this Mediterranean Chopped Salad and this Greek Quinoa Salad.

🛒 Ingredients for Panzanella

• Air Fryer Croutons
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Boccocini
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Basil
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• White wine vinegar
• Garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air fryer (to make the croutons)
• Large serving bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make a Panzanella Salad

Make the croutons according to the directions, and allow them to cool while you prepare the other salad ingredients.

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk until well combined and emulsified.

Slice your tomatoes in half. I used a colorful mix of cherry tomatoes. If you're using larger tomatoes, either chop or quarter them.

Add the tomatoes to a large bowl, along with the croutons, cucumbers, mozzarella cheese, red onions, olives, and basil.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Toss to combine and allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving.

💡 Tips for This Panzanella Salad Recipe

• Regardless of what type of bread you use to make the croutons, make sure it's high quality bread. Don't worry about it being super fresh, because day-old bread works great for making croutons.

• After tossing the salad with the vinaigrette, allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This gives it time to soak into the croutons, giving them the best flavor.

• Fresh herbs are best in this recipe. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the salad that you won't get from dried herbs.

• Fresh, juicy summer tomatoes are the best for this panzanella salad. Whether it's Roma or cherry tomatoes, they are just sweeter and taste better when vine-ripened. But don't let that stop you from making it other times of the year. You can use ripe green-house tomatoes in the winter, even if they aren't quite as sweet.

☑️ Storage Instructions

For best results, serve this salad soon after preparing it. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge overnight, though the croutons will lose some of their crunch.

🍴 What to Serve with Panzanella Bread Salad

Grilled protein: Serve the Panzanella salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish. The smoky flavors from the grill complement the fresh and vibrant flavors of the salad. This Grilled Citrus Chicken, this easy Grilled Steak, and these Grilled Shrimp Skewers are all wonderful options.

Soup: Pair the panzanella salad with a bowl of soup, such as this Carrot and Lentil Soup or this Cream of Asparagus Soup.  

Pasta: Serve the panzanella salad as a side dish with a pasta dish like homemade spaghetti or Penne Alla Vodka. 

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Fruit Add sweetness and a burst of flavor by including fruits like strawberries, peaches, or grapes.  

• Proteins: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

• Cheese choices: Experiment with different types of cheese to elevate the flavor profile. Try feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan in place of mozzarella for a unique twist.

• Other fresh herbs: Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or mint.

• Grilled vegetables: Gently fold in some grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Make sure they have cooled to room temperature first.

• Nuts and seeds: For added crunch, you can sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds such as almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds over the salad.  

• Dressing variations: Experiment with different dressings to customize the flavor profile. Consider using balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette dressing, or honey mustard dressing for a unique twist.

What's in Panzanella?

The traditional panzanella salad comes from Italy, specifically the Tuscany area. It started as a way of using old bread with inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredients. The name "Panzanella" comes from Italian words for "bread" and "deep plate," which is how it's served.

Does the Bread Get Soggy in Panzanella?

If you use a crusty bread to make your croutons, it should not get soggy while serving it. If you leave it sitting in the fridge for several hours, the croutons will begin to soften.

Can I Make the Croutons in Advance?

Yes, you can make the croutons ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

What Type of Bread is Best for Panzanella Salad?

Popular bread choices are sourdough, Italian ciabatta, French baguette, whole grain, and focaccia.

🍽️ More Salad Recipes

• Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
•  Italian Pasta Salad
• Asian Grilled Chicken Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Classic Cobb with Ranch Dressing