Quick Lemony Panzanella Recipe – A Bright, Fresh, and Easy Italian Bread Salad
Quick Lemony Panzanella is a vibrant Italian bread salad made with toasted artisan bread, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and a zesty homemade lemon dressing. The refreshing citrus flavor perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Toasted bread absorbs the dressing while maintaining a pleasant texture. Ready in only 20 minutes, it is perfect for busy lunches, picnics, or summer dinners. This healthy Mediterranean salad is colorful, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It is a delicious modern take on the classic Tuscan favorite.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 cups rustic Italian bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Lemon Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking tray and toast for 8–10 minutes until lightly crisp. Let them cool slightly.
- Wash and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, basil, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Place the toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, basil, and parsley into a large serving bowl.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Allow the salad to sit for 5–10 minutes so the bread absorbs the dressing while staying slightly crisp.
- Top with shaved Parmesan if desired, garnish with extra basil and lemon zest, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Day-old artisan bread works best.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Toast the bread lightly to prevent sogginess.
- Use ripe summer tomatoes whenever possible.
- Fresh basil is essential for authentic taste.
- Add Parmesan just before serving.
- Let the salad rest briefly before eating.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.