This started as a way to use stale bread, so day-old sturdy bread that drinks the dressing without dissolving is the point; fresh soft bread turns to paste. The trick: salt the tomatoes first and let the bread soak in their released juices along with the vinaigrette so every cube is seasoned through.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook10 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineItalian
Cost$$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Stale country bread
Day-old sturdy sourdough torn into chunks; it must be dry enough to soak dressing without falling apart.
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
Toast the breadTear bread into chunks, toss with a little oil, and toast at 375F for 8-10 min until dry and gold at the edges.
Salt the tomatoesCut tomatoes into wedges, salt them, and let sit 15 min in a bowl to release their juice.
Soak the onionSlice red onion thin and steep it in the vinegar 10 min to soften its bite and start the dressing.
Toss and restWhisk oil into the vinegar, combine bread, tomatoes with their juice, cucumber, and onion, then rest 20 min so the bread drinks it in; add basil before serving.
Can you make Panzanella in an air fryer? — Not needed
It’s a salad — nothing to air-fry once it’s tossed. You can crisp a topping in one, though: croutons, bacon, or chickpeas in a single layer while you build the rest.
Can you freeze Panzanella? — Best fresh
Not really — the vegetables and dressing turn to mush once thawed. Salads are a make-fresh thing.
Can you make Panzanella ahead of time? — Best fresh
Dress it just before serving — the greens wilt and brown once coated. Wash, cut, and chill the components ahead, then toss at the last minute.
Is Panzanella gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Panzanella vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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