Salad · Italian · Lunch ·

Herbaceous Italian Caprese Panzanella with Basil Oil Drizzle

Name: Herbaceous Italian Caprese Panzanella with Basil Oil Drizzle
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Salad
Ingredients: Slightly stale ciabatta bread, 4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes; Ripe tomatoes, 3 large, diced; Fresh mozzarella, 8 oz, torn into bite-sized pieces; Red onion, 1 small, thinly sliced; Fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup; Extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup; Packed fresh basil leaves, 1 cup; Garlic, 1 clove, minced; Salt and pepper, To taste; Red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons; Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon; Sugar, 1 pinch; Salt and pepper, To taste

This vibrant Italian salad showcases juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and toasted bread cubes, all harmoniously blended with a basil oil drizzle. It's a delightful dish that's as refreshing as it is

4.2(200 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 25, 2026

Herbaceous Italian Caprese Panzanella with Basil Oil Drizzle — Salad served and photographed from above

Prep

0 min

Cook

0 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Salad

For the Basil Oil Drizzle

For the Dressing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 598 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbs: 42.25 g
Fat: 39.5 g
Fiber: 3.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2392 kcal
Protein: 72 g
Carbs: 169 g
Fat: 158 g
Fiber: 14 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Slightly stale ciabatta bread 4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes	760	25	140	10	8
Ripe tomatoes 3 large, diced	66	3	15	0	4
Fresh mozzarella 8 oz, torn into bite-sized pieces	560	44	6	40	0
Red onion 1 small, thinly sliced	20	0	5	0	1
Fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup	2	0	0	0	0
Extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup	960	0	0	108	0
Packed fresh basil leaves 1 cup	5	0	1	0	1
Garlic 1 clove, minced	4	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons	9	0	0	0	0
Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon	3	0	0	0	0
Sugar 1 pinch	3	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Basil Oil Drizzle

1
Combine ingredients
In a blender, combine the olive oil, basil leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Tip: If short on time, use store-bought basil pesto as a shortcut for the basil drizzle.
2
Blend until smooth
Blend until smooth and green.
3
Set aside
Set aside to allow flavors to infuse.

Preparing the Salad Base

1
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Toast bread cubes
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tip: Ensure the bread is thoroughly stale or toasted to avoid sogginess.
3
Combine salad ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh basil leaves.

How to Make Herbaceous Italian Caprese Panzanella with Basil Oil Drizzle

Total time: 0 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Basil Oil Drizzle Preparation
Blend and combine ingredients until smooth, then let sit for flavors to meld.
2
Bread Toasting
Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden.
3
Salad Assembly
Combine toasted bread with other salad ingredients and gently toss.