Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Italian salad featuring crusty bread, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, dressed with a zesty olive oil vinaigrette. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (about 12 oz) Day-old rustic bread, medium (about 600g) Ripe tomatoes, medium (about 50g) Red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Tear bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and toast for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
  2. Step 2: Dice tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Finely slice red onion and mince basil leaves. In a large bowl, combine bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, and olives.
  3. Step 3: In a small jar, whisk together remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium (about 50g) red onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Tuscan Panzanella Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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