Description
Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella is a fresh and flavorful Italian bread salad loaded with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, red onions, basil, and crunchy toasted bread cubes tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, healthy dinner, summer side dish, picnic food idea, or light Mediterranean-inspired meal. The balance of fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and toasted bread creates a refreshing dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Whether you are looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy salad recipes, or simple food ideas for warm weather gatherings, this Classic Panzanella with Mozzarella delivers bright flavors and satisfying texture in every bite. It is quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
5 cups crusty Italian bread cubes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cups cherry tomatoes halved
2 medium cucumbers chopped
1 small red onion thinly sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1 tablespoon capers optional
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove minced
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumbers, thinly slice the red onion, and tear the basil leaves.
3. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add the toasted bread cubes, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, mozzarella, parsley, and capers to a large serving bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the flavorful juices.
7. Add the fresh basil just before serving and garnish with extra black pepper if desired.
8. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and natural juices that help create the dressing.
Toast the bread until golden but not overly hard so it absorbs the dressing without becoming mushy.
Add basil right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: classic panzanella with mozzarella, Italian bread salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy lunch, quick dinner, fresh mozzarella salad