A Fresh Italian Favorite Made with Simple Ingredients

Don't let that day-old loaf of bread go to waste! 🥖🍅

Panzanella is a classic Italian bread salad that's proof some of the best recipes come from the simplest ingredients. Crisp vegetables, fragrant basil, and crusty bread soak up a rich blend of Caramelized Garlic Infused Olive Oil and Dark Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, creating a dish that's bursting with fresh, savory flavor in every bite.

Whether you're serving it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood, bringing it to a summer potluck, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this Tuscan favorite is easy to prepare and always impressive.

The best part? Day-old bread actually works better than fresh bread, making this recipe a delicious way to reduce food waste while creating something everyone will ask you to make again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

🍅 Fresh, garden-inspired flavors

🥖 A delicious way to use day-old bread

🌿 Ready with simple, wholesome ingredients

☀️ Perfect for summer meals and cookouts

❤️ Naturally vegetarian

🎉 Great for entertaining

Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: None

Rest Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 baguette (day-old works perfectly)
4 tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper
½ English cucumber, seeded
½ red onion, thinly sliced
6 fresh basil leaves
¼ cup Olivelle Dark Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
¼ cup Olivelle Caramelized Garlic Infused Olive Oil
1 to 2 teaspoons Roasted Garlic Infused Sea Salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the baguette, tomatoes, cucumber, and yellow pepper into bite-sized pieces.

Thinly slice the red onion.

To chiffonade the basil, stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons.

Combine everything in a large serving bowl.

Step 2: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the bread and vegetables with the Dark Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Finish with the Caramelized Garlic Infused Olive Oil and season with Roasted Garlic Infused Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Allow the salad to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.

During this time, the bread absorbs the balsamic and olive oil, becoming tender and incredibly flavorful while still maintaining a satisfying texture.

Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Chivilla Bay Tips 💙

Add fresh mozzarella pearls for extra creaminess.
Top with grilled chicken for an easy summer dinner.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Use garden-fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
Finish with an extra drizzle of Caramelized Garlic Olive Oil just before serving.
Pair with grilled burgers, steak, salmon, or Italian chicken for a complete meal.