Panzanella
Updated June 22, 2026
Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.
- Total Time
- 45 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
4 ounces ciabatta or baguette, preferably stale, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste
¾ teaspoon kosher sea salt, more to taste
2 pounds very ripe tomatoes, preferably a mix of varieties and colors
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup thinly sliced red onion, about half a small onion
2 garlic cloves, grated to a paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, more to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or thyme (or a combination)
Large pinch red-pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup thinly sliced Persian or Kirby cucumber, about 1 small cucumber
½ cup torn basil leaves
¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon capers, drained
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)
18 grams carbs; 22 milligrams cholesterol; 289 calories; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 21 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 530 milligrams sodium; 10 grams protein; 5 grams sugar
Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Preparation
- Step 1
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil and a pinch of salt. Bake until they are dried out and pale golden brown at the edges, about 7 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Step 2
Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano or thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt and the red-pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Step 3
In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, the mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt and some black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in cucumbers, basil and parsley.
- Step 4
Add bread cubes, cucumber mixture and capers to the tomatoes and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.
Private Notes
Comments
Is there a way to print the notes along with the recipes? Some are very helpful and it would be great to have them attached.
A very good dish to use up late summer garden bounty. But simplify the directions by chopping all the tomatoes first, tossing with all the salt to bring out their juices, and then add the other ingredients on top. Add the vinaigrette. Mix and let sit.
Oil-cured olives and baby arugula were nice additions to my try.
I first made Ina’s take on this salade, (cucs, tomato, Bell peppers, red onion, bread croutons) and have learned that variations on the theme (tuna, capers, mozzarella, garbanzo beans, olives, arugula), make a delicious, light dinner. I have eaten many versions in Italy. Whatever great ingredients are in season/to your taste should be your guide. It’s a composed salad, not rocket science. Lighten up Times readers and enjoy the late summer bounty and Melissa Clark’s brilliance.
This is a great panzanella! but the recipe has timing issues. If you estimate 45 minutes for me to chop bread, toast it, chop tomatoes, tear mozzarella, rinse and chop other vegetables and herbs, and make dressing, I made this last night and time was already tight. Then if the toasted bread needs to soak for at least 30 minutes, then I think that soaking should either get started earlier on in the recipe, or the total recipe time should be extended. (Or the "soak" should be made optional).
Is the bread in this supposed to be soggy for some reason? I made as directed and it was not a hit. Might make it again but add the toasted bread just before serving so it remains crunchy. Flavors were certainly good but soggy bread ruined it.
I am not crazy about adding the mozzarella to this recipe. If you use fresh, it tends to make it look kind of milky. Maybe add right before serving if you are committed to it.