How to Make the Perfect Vegan Panzanella Salad
Italian · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This vegan panzanella salad is a rustic Italian bread salad bursting with ripe tomatoes fresh basil and tangy dressing. Every element of this dish is naturally vegan making it a simple and satisfying summer side.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Panzanella Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 260 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups crusty bread cubed
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes chopped
- 0.5 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Toss bread cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Toast in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
Whisk together remaining olive oil red wine vinegar minced garlic salt and pepper in a large bowl until emulsified.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Add chopped tomatoes and red onion to the vinaigrette and toss well. Add toasted bread cubes and torn basil and toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the salad rest for 10 minutes so the bread soaks up the tomato juices and dressing. Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- crusty bread → gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free version
- red wine vinegar → balsamic vinegar for a sweeter richer dressing
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using soft sandwich bread which becomes soggy instead of absorbing the dressing properly
- Serving immediately without resting which prevents the bread from soaking up the juices
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 260 calories, 6g protein, 34g carbs, 11g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →