Summer Panzanella Salad with Peaches
A Summer Panzanella Salad with Peaches is a fresh, vibrant Italian-style bread salad that perfectly captures the flavors of warm weather. Inspired by the classic Tuscan dish Panzanella, this version adds juicy ripe peaches for a sweet twist. Crunchy toasted bread soaks up the tangy dressing and tomato juices, while fresh herbs and creamy cheese bring everything together.
This salad is ideal for summer lunches, BBQ side dishes, or light dinners. It’s colorful, refreshing, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Time Required
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (to toast bread)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups day-old crusty bread (cubed – sourdough or rustic bread works best)
2 large ripe peaches, sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
½ cup fresh mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella
¼ cup toasted pine nuts or almonds (optional)
For the Dressing
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Toast the Bread
Preheat a pan or oven to medium heat.
Add bread cubes and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Toast for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables
Slice the peaches, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion and cucumber.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl whisk together:
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Honey
Minced garlic
Salt and pepper
Whisk until smooth.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
Toasted bread
Peaches
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Onion
Mozzarella
Basil
5. Toss and Rest
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently so the bread absorbs the juices.
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with toasted pine nuts or almonds and extra basil leaves.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
Grilled chicken
Grilled salmon
BBQ dishes
Mediterranean-style meals
It can also be enjoyed as a light vegetarian meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 12 g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What bread is best for Panzanella?
Rustic breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or country bread work best because they absorb dressing without becoming mushy.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients ahead, but mix the dressing and bread 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Simply omit the mozzarella or replace it with vegan cheese.
4. What other fruits work in this salad?
You can substitute peaches with:
Nectarines
Mango
Strawberries
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The bread will soften but still taste good.