Easy Tuscan Sunshine: Jamie Oliver Panzanella Salad Recipe

Panzanella salad transforms forgotten bread into a culinary celebration of rustic Italian flavors.

Stale bread finds new life in this vibrant dish that dances with summer produce.

Rich textures and bold ingredients create a symphony of taste that elevates simple components.

Mediterranean traditions shine through each crisp, soaked bread cube mingling with fresh vegetables.

Our recipe captures the essence of countryside cooking with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Crusty bread absorbs zesty dressing, turning humble ingredients into a meal that feels like sunshine on a plate.

We love how this salad tells a story of resourcefulness and delicious simplicity: dig in and savor every bite.

Ingredients You Need for Panzanella Salad

• Bread: Rustic, day-old bread works best for authentic texture and absorbing flavors.
• Tomatoes: Ripe, fresh tomatoes provide juicy, sweet base for the salad.
• Red Peppers: Adds vibrant color and sweet, crisp element to the salad.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, pungent flavor and crunchy texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall taste.
• Capers: Briny, tangy ingredient that adds complexity to the salad.
• Anchovies: Optional, provides deep umami and salty marine flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic note to the dish.

• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity to balance the rich olive oil.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that creates rich, smooth dressing base.

How to Make Jamie’s Panzanella Salad

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Bread Chunks

Rip the bread into rustic 3 cm pieces and spread them on a baking tray. Let the bread rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes to naturally dry out and develop a delightful crunch.

Step 2: Season Fresh Tomatoes

Grab a large mixing bowl and sprinkle salt and pepper over ripe tomatoes. Drain and gently pat capers to remove excess water.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

• Peppers
• Onions
• Dried bread chunks
• Capers
• Anchovies (optional)

Step 4: Create Zesty Dressing

• Red wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil

Stir thoroughly and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, vinegar, or oil to taste.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces and scatter them over the salad. Gently mix everything together.

Panzanella Salad Tips for Freshness and Crunch

• Slice Bread Boldly: Tear ciabatta into rustic, uneven chunks for maximum dressing absorption and delightful texture.
• Balance Saltiness Smartly: Taste cautiously before adding extra salt, since capers and anchovies pack natural seasoning punch.
• Select Tomato Treasure: Grab sun-ripened, juicy tomatoes bursting with summer flavor to elevate the entire salad experience.
• Soak Strategically: Gently coat bread with dressing, avoiding drowning it completely to maintain a satisfying crunch.
• Personalize Playfully: Transform the classic recipe by introducing grilled proteins or adjusting onion quantities to match your mood.

How to Store Jamie Oliver’s Panzanella Salad

• Preserve in Glass Jars: Transfer the salad to clean, wide-mouth glass mason jars with tight-sealing lids. Separate wet ingredients from crispy bread chunks to maintain crunchiness. Layer carefully, keeping dressing at the bottom to prevent soggy textures.
• Vacuum Seal Individual Portions: Use vacuum-sealed bags to extend freshness and prevent oxidation. Remove excess air thoroughly before sealing to protect delicate ingredients. Perfect for meal prep and keeping flavors intact for up to three days.
• Dressing Storage Hack: Keep vinaigrette separately in a small sealed container within the main storage container. This technique prevents bread from becoming soggy and allows you to refresh the salad just before serving. Drizzle dressing moments before eating for maximum flavor and texture retention.

Tasty Variations of Panzanella Salad to Try

• Herb Garden Fresh: Elevate the salad by adding a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and chives alongside the basil. The additional herbs will create a vibrant, aromatic profile that brings extra brightness to the classic panzanella.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Incorporate grilled shrimp or chunks of seared tuna to transform the salad into a protein-packed meal. The seafood complements the tangy vinegar and rich olive oil, making it a perfect summer dish.
• Roasted Vegetable Boost: Grill zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers before chopping and adding them to the salad. Roasting intensifies the vegetables' natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the traditional recipe.
• Cheese Lover's Version: Crumble fresh mozzarella or sprinkle feta cheese over the top for a creamy element. The cheese melts slightly from the warm bread and creates a luxurious texture that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Wrap-Up for Jamie Oliver’s Panzanella Salad

Mediterranean magic unfolds through Jamie Oliver’s panzanella, whisking taste buds on a Tuscan journey.

Rustic bread chunks absorb garden-fresh tomato juices, creating an edible landscape of flavor and texture.

Capers spark unexpected brightness while basil leaves dance with herbal intensity.

Salt, pepper, and olive oil weave subtle Mediterranean notes into each delectable bite.

Summer’s bounty shines through this simple yet powerful Italian classic.

Passionate cooks and casual diners will crave this sensational salad.

Why Jamie Oliver’s Panzanella Salad Stands Out

• Savor Rustic Simplicity: Jamie Oliver's Panzanella salad celebrates the beauty of transforming day-old bread into a stunning, flavorful dish that speaks to traditional Italian countryside cooking.
• Texture-Packed Delight: The combination of crispy dried bread pieces, juicy tomatoes, and tender vegetables creates an incredible mouthfeel that dances between crunchy and soft in every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Summer Entertainer: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, takes just 45 minutes, and delivers a refreshing meal perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish for grilled meats and roasted chicken.
• Smart No-Waste Cooking: By using stale bread as a key ingredient, this recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious meal, reducing food waste and maximizing flavor with just a few smart techniques.

Jamie Oliver Panzanella Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer sunshine dances through this classic Italian bread salad, bringing together ripe tomatoes, crusty bread, and fresh basil in a Mediterranean masterpiece. Crisp ingredients mingle with zesty vinaigrette, promising a refreshing journey through Tuscan flavors you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 600 g (21 ounces) ripe mixed tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 200 g (7 ounces) stale ciabatta loaf
• 280 g (10 ounces) jarred red peppers, drained and roughly chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small red onion, peeled and very finely sliced
• 1 handful small capers, drained
• 8 anchovy fillets in oil, drained and finely sliced (optional)
• 1 bunch fresh basil

Seasonings and Dressings:

• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• red wine vinegar
• extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Tear artisan bread into rustic 3-centimeter (1.2-inch) chunks, arranging them on a flat baking tray. Allow the bread pieces to rest in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 30 minutes, enabling natural dehydration and enhancing texture.
2. Select ripe tomatoes and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly rinse capers under cool water, gently pressing to remove excess liquid.
3. Incorporate sliced peppers, thinly chopped onions, prepared bread chunks, and optional anchovy fillets into the tomato mixture, creating a vibrant medley of ingredients.
4. Using clean hands, delicately combine the components. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of high-quality red wine vinegar and approximately 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil, ensuring thorough and even distribution. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, vinegar, or olive oil as needed.
5. Gently tear fresh basil leaves into smaller fragments, sprinkling them over the salad. Fold the herbs into the mixture, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the dish. Serve immediately as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Notes

• Bread transforms from potential waste to a crispy, textured foundation that adds depth to every bite.
• Tomatoes burst with summer sweetness, creating a juicy base that defines the salad’s vibrant character.
• Capers and anchovies deliver unexpected umami punches, elevating the entire dish with their bold, briny essence.
• Olive oil acts as a silky connector, binding ingredients together while adding luxurious Mediterranean richness.
• Red onions provide sharp, crisp interruptions that balance the softer elements and wake up your palate.
• Herbs contribute fresh, aromatic notes that lift the entire salad from simple to spectacular.
• Vinegar introduces a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and makes each mouthful sing.
• Seasoning becomes an art of delicate balance, transforming good ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
• Serving temperature matters – enjoy slightly warm or at room temperature to maximize flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg