Panzanella, Panmolle, (Tuscan Salad) Traditional Panzanella or sometimes called panmolle is a Tuscan salad of stale bread and delicious sweet red tomatoes. Chunks of soaked stale bread and tomatoes, sometimes onions and fresh basil dressed with olive oil and vinegar, are simple and to the point.
Traditional Panzanella is also popular in other parts of central Italy. One thing you may not know about this dish is that Panzanella was based on onions, not tomatoes, until the 20th century. So instead of these luscious red tomatoes, the onions would have been the base. Some folks might add other ingredients, our family isn’t always the true traditionalists with some recipes, but we keep this one fairly basic.
Panzanella, Panmolle, (Tuscan Salad)
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Sevan large vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into large cubes or wedges
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One pint of cherry or grape tomatoes halved
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Three cups of stale but good quality Italian bread crusts removed and cubed
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Two teaspoons of minced garlic
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1/4 cup red wine vinegar
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1/2 cup Italian extra-virgin olive oil
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One bunch of fresh basil stems removed, washed and, spun dry, torn into pieces
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kosher Salt
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freshly ground black pepper
Instructions for Panzanella, Panmolle, (Tuscan Salad)
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Leave the tomatoes out on the counter to become room temperature — you will find the best flavor at this temperature.
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In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes and the bread.
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Whisk together the garlic, vinegar, and oil in a small bowl.
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Pour the dressing over the bread salad and sit for 30 minutes at room temperature. Add the basil and salt, and pepper to taste and toss to combine.
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Serve.
© Heidy L. McCallum and The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch, 2024- 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Heidy L. McCallum and The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
This is a gorgeous salad! Thanks again for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Thank you for having me there, I really enjoyed the Link party 🙂
I’m not sure if my comment went through so I’m adding it again. I love the Panzanella Tuscan bread salad. My grandmother used to make this all the time. This is a delicious and easy bread salad for “Spring” and summer. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Thank you, Joanne, glad you dropped by.
Heidy, I love your Panzanella Tuscan Salad. This is such a wonderful traditional dish, I remember my grandmother used to make a bread salad all the time. This is a really delicious salad for the “Spring” and Summer. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.
Thank you so much, glad you dropped by