Panzanella salad

Don't waste that leftover bread - follow the Italian tradition and make it into a delicious panzanella salad with some juicy tomatoes. It's incredibly easy to make, and makes a great appetizer, side or light lunch.

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During the summer, I love enjoying all the really good tomatoes that we get on the local farmers' market. Between being more local so that they don't need to be chilled for transportation, and the varieties, they just taste so much better than the ones you get out of season.

I particularly like the heirloom varieties that we sometimes grow at home. Sadly we don't get quite enough direct sun, nor have that much space, to grow many. Another reason why the farmers' market is great to have nearby.

Anyway, I find when you get really good tomatoes, it's worth enjoying them in a way that shows them off. Dishes like a simple caprese, plain or smoked salmon bruschetta and gazpacho are all perfect for that, as is this tasty salad.

A use for leftover bread

This salad is a classic "plato povero" or poor plate. It evolved as a way to stretch out leftover bread into another meal. The dish has evolved over time and has a few variations, though all keep things relatively simple (other than maybe more modern variations).

The traditional Tuscan way starts by soaking the bread in water, but to be honest, I don't find this gives the best flavor to the salad. Instead, I prefer for the combination of the tomatoes juices, olive oil and vinegar to soften up and flavor the bread.

Tips for perfect panzanella

As I say this is a very simple dish, but there are a few things it's worth keeping in mind.

• Use high quality ingredients. Not that much goes in this, so you are going to taste the flavors. So you want to make sure they are as good as possible. Choose flavorful tomatoes (such as heirloom or vine-ripened), a really good olive oil and a good quality wine vinegar as well.
• Pick and prep the bread. Traditionally, this is made with a plain, unsalted bread, but you can also use ciabatta, sourdough or baguette. The bread should be relatively dry and stale. If it isn't naturally, you can help things along by putting slices of bread in a low oven for a few minutes, turning now and then, to dry it out on the outside.
• I've seen some versions with large pieces of bread but more traditional recipes seem to cut the bread smaller (which is also easier to eat).

• Give it time (but you can help). It might be tempting to dive in, but this dish needs a little time to settle in. Salt helps to bring the juices out of the tomatoes so I like to sit the tomatoes on top of the bread, salt them and leave them while you chop everything else. 
• Then, add the onion and cucumber (if using), dress with oil and vinegar and toss it all together. Add the basil at the end so it doesn't get too bruised then let it all sit a while for the flavors to mingle.

However you enjoy it, this panzanella salad is such a delicious taste of summer. It's easy to make, frugal and packed with flavor. Make sure you make it soon and enjoy.

Try these other summer salads:

• Grilled nectarine salad
• Prosciutto salad with peach and mozzarella
• Luang Prabang salad (Laos salad)
• Mexican street corn salad
• Plus get more summer recipes in the archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

This post was first shared in August 2018 but has been updated, primarily with new photos and video.

Try these other summer recipe ideas:

• Bourbon Roasted Cherry Ice Cream by The Redhead Baker
• Ginger Lemonade Recipe by Everyday Eileen
• Green Beans with Bacon by Simple and Savory
• Lemon Sorbet by Family Around the Table
• Old Bay Corn by Cookaholic Wife
• Peach Rose Sangria by Books n' Cooks
• Roasted Peach Lemonade by Kate's Recipe Box
• Strawberry Olive Oil Cake by The Baking Fairy
• Summer Corn Salad by Cooking With Carlee
• Summer Veggie and Shrimp Quesadilla by The Freshman Cook
• Watermelon Basil Feta Salad by House of Nash Eats

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