Panzanella salad croutons

Panzanella is a rustic Tuscan bread salad that transforms stale, crusty bread into a vibrant dish by soaking it in a vinaigrette with ripe tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and fresh basil. It's a classic example of Italian cucina povera, or 'poor kitchen,' designed to use up leftover ingredients.

🍳 View the full Panzanella salad croutons recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This salad is typically moderate in carbohydrates from the bread and provides healthy fats from the olive oil dressing, with a good amount of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables. A standard serving usually ranges from 300 to 450 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	7 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	420 mg
Vitamin C	25 mg
Vitamin K	60 mcg
Potassium	350 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg
Folate	70 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a brilliant zero-waste dish that originated as a way for Tuscan farmers and shepherds to use day-old bread. Nutritionally, the soaking process allows the bread to absorb the flavorful juices and nutrients from the tomatoes and dressing, creating a more cohesive and flavorful bite than a simple crouton topping.