Summer in a Bowl: The Panzanella

A Panzanella is a delightful bread salad that celebrates summer's finest ingredients: ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. With produce markets brimming with juicy tomatoes and bouquets of herbs, there's no better time to create this rustic dish. Plus, it's an excellent way to use up day-old bread. We used a baguette, but feel free to experiment with ciabatta, rustic sourdough, or any crusty bread you have on hand. Perfect for picnics, hosting gatherings, or as a make ahead dish, it is sure to impress.
A Panzanella doesn’t need a strict recipe—it's all about improvisation and having fun in the kitchen, that is why we provided these helpful guidelines. Enjoy the process of making and customizing your Panzanella, savouring every bite of this refreshing and hearty dish. This salad is a celebration of summer's flavours, so don't take it too seriously—just have fun.

The Simple Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Cut into bite sized pieces. Use any variety you like – beefsteak, heirloom, cherry, grape, etc. The more, the merrier!

Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds herbaceous freshness.

Red Onion: Sliced for a bit of sharpness.

Cucumber: Diced or sliced for a refreshing crunch (can substitute with radish).

Homemade Croutons: Follow our Crave-able Crouton Guidelines for the perfect result.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For that rich, silky finish.

Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.

Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Basic Assembly Guidelines

1. Make Your Croutons: Follow our Crave-able Crouton Guidelines. For the Panzanella, we used Vegetable Broth Blend; Celery Bright seasoning to enhance the summer vegetable notes. For an herbaceous twist, use the Italian Herb, Garlic and Veg Blend.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Lay your cut tomatoes on a plate or bowl, generously sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for at least 15 minutes. This will help to draw out their moisture, enhancing their flavour. Using a plate or bowl will capture all these juices and flavours which will be used as a part of the dressing, so be sure not to discard any of it.  
3. Combine Ingredients: Once your croutons are ready and cooled, place them in a bowl. Pour the tomatoes and their juices over the croutons. Add the remaining ingredients, drizzle with olive oil (and balsamic vinegar if using), and adjust for salt. Mix gently to avoid damaging the tomatoes.
4. Finishing Touches: Finish with a generous grind of freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of whichever seasoning you chose to use for your croutons.
5. Let It Marinate: For the best flavour, let your Panzanella marinate. The minimum we recommend is between 20-30 minutes, but our preference is about two hours. This allows the bread to soak up the beautiful flavours surrounding it. Marinate in the refrigerator, but bring to a cool room temperature before serving.

Note on Marinating:

The bread in this salad will continue to change its texture as time goes by, each phase offering a delicious new experience. Explore what you prefer! Due to the recommended marinating time, the Panzanella is perfect as a make-ahead summer salad, ideal for hosting gatherings or taking on picnics. Enjoy every evolving bite of this versatile and flavourful dish!

Customizations and Extra Tips

Add Fresh Mozzarella: Tear the mozzarella, season with salt and the same seasoning you used for your croutons, and let it sit in olive oil for 15 minutes before adding to the salad. Make sure you add all the EVOO to the salad too. We realize this is not traditional, but we dare you to name one thing that cheese does not elevate! 

Include Olives: Any variety adds complexity and a tangy finish.

Swap the Tomatoes: If tomatoes aren't in season, substitute with bell peppers, more cucumber, or raw/lightly grilled zucchini. Because the dish is a celebration of the rich and fresh flavours of the season, always use peak season produce to achieve the most satisfying results.

Join the Conversation!
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, tips, and favourite variations of Panzanella in the comments below. What ingredients do you like to add to make this rustic salad your own? Did you encounter any difficulties? Share your thoughts and join our community of food lovers.