Focaccia Panzanella

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(3)

We are making this ancient and amazing Tuscan salad using a bread from Liguria. I'm guessing neither region would be excited about this idea, but any geo-culinary issues aside, this salad is the ultimate way to use up fresh summer tomatoes and leftover bread.

2
Focaccia panzanella served in a low white bowl.
2
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Rest Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 5 cups cubed focaccia bread

  • 1 clove garlic, crushed

  • ½ teaspoon white sugar

  • 1 anchovy fillet (Optional)

  • cup red wine vinegar, or more to taste

  • cup extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste

  • 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces, or more to taste

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • cup sliced fresh mozzarella cheese (Optional)

  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

    Various bowls filled with ingredients to make Focaccia Panzanella.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

  2. Place bread cubes on the prepared baking sheet.

    Focaccia cubes spread on a parchment lined baking sheet.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

  3. Toast bread in the preheated oven until browned and fully crisp, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool down to room temperature.

    Toasted focaccia bread cubes on a parchment lined baking sheet.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

  4. Mash garlic, sugar, and anchovy into a coarse paste using the back of a fork. Add vinegar and oil; whisk until combined.

    A person whisking marinade in a bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

  5. Toss vine-ripened tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper into the dressing with a spatula. Let sit for 10 minutes.

    A variety of tomatoes in a white bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

  6. Add mozzarella and red onion to the tomato mixture and toss with a spatula to combine. Add bread cubes and mix until saturated as desired. Mix in basil.

    Various tomatoes, bread cubes, onions, basil and mozzarella in a bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

  7. Taste for seasoning before serving. Enjoy!

    Focaccia panzanella served in a low white bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA

Chef's Notes:

I used leftover focaccia from my No-Knead Big Bubble Focaccia recipe. I cut my bread into 1 to 1 ½ inch cubes. Any bread can be used. If using non-focaccia, bread should be tossed in some olive oil to help browning.

You can use any kind of vinegar you like.

Salad can be tossed and served as soon as bread absorbs enough dressing to soften, but can also be tossed then wrapped and transferred to the fridge for a few hours or overnight for full saturation.

All ingredients are "to taste" and more of everything, especially the vinegar and olive oil, can be added to personal preference.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

314 Calories
20g Fat
29g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 314
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g 26%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 231mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Protein 5g 10%
Potassium 480mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.