Panzanella Salad

Fresh Seasonal Flavor: Ripe heirloom tomatoes provide vibrant color, natural sweetness and juicy texture.

Creamy Burrata: Soft, creamy burrata balances the tomatoes, balsamic glaze and crisp grilled bread.

Rustic Italian Texture: Torn pieces of grilled bread absorb the tomato juices, olive oil and balsamic glaze while retaining a satisfying bite.

Simple to Prepare: This recipe uses a short list of fresh ingredients and requires no complicated cooking techniques.

Perfect for Entertaining: Serve Panzanella as an appetizer, summer lunch, side dish or colorful addition to an Italian dinner.

Everything You Need Is at Uncle Giuseppe’s: Shop heirloom tomatoes, fresh burrata, grilled bread, basil, extra-virgin olive oil and the remaining ingredients at Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace.

Tips for the Best Panzanella Salad

Use Ripe Tomatoes: Choose fragrant, ripe heirloom tomatoes with a variety of colors, shapes and sizes for the best flavor and presentation.

Make Rustic Cuts: Cut the tomatoes into different shapes and sizes instead of perfectly uniform pieces. The variation creates an authentic, rustic presentation.

Grill the Bread: Lightly charred bread adds texture and smoky flavor while helping it stand up to the tomato juices and dressing.

Tear Instead of Slice: Tearing the bread creates irregular edges that absorb the olive oil, tomato juices and balsamic glaze.

Toss Gently: Mix carefully to avoid crushing the tomatoes or breaking the bread into pieces that are too small.

Add Burrata Last: Place the burrata on the plated salad so it remains creamy and creates a beautiful finished presentation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare the Vegetables Ahead: The tomatoes, onion and garlic can be cut shortly before serving and stored separately in the refrigerator.

Keep the Bread Separate: Do not add the grilled bread until close to serving time or it may become overly soft.

Add Burrata Before Serving: Keep the burrata refrigerated and add it after the salad has been plated.

Serve Fresh: Panzanella has the best balance of crisp and juicy textures when served shortly after it is assembled.

Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. The bread will continue to absorb the dressing, so enjoy the remaining salad as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panzanella Salad?
Panzanella is a rustic Italian salad traditionally made with ripe tomatoes, bread, onion, basil and olive oil. The bread absorbs the tomato juices and dressing, giving the salad its signature texture.

What kind of bread is best for Panzanella?
Use a sturdy rustic Italian bread with a crisp crust and open crumb. Grilling the bread adds flavor and helps it retain texture after dressing.

Can I prepare Panzanella ahead of time?
You can prepare the individual components ahead, but combine the tomatoes, bread and dressing shortly before serving for the best texture.

What is burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with an outer mozzarella shell and a soft, creamy center. Its mild richness pairs especially well with tomatoes and balsamic glaze.

Can I use regular tomatoes?
Yes. Heirloom tomatoes provide beautiful color and flavor, but any ripe, flavorful tomatoes can be used.

Is Panzanella Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this Panzanella Salad with burrata is vegetarian. Check the specific bread and cheese labels if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.

Should Panzanella be served cold?
Panzanella can be served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Allowing refrigerated tomatoes to warm slightly before serving improves their flavor.

Where can I buy the ingredients?
Shop heirloom tomatoes, fresh burrata, rustic bread, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze and the remaining ingredients online at uncleg.com/shop.