Berry Panzanella Salad
Berry Panzanella Salad combines juicy berries, creamy yogurt and sweet crunchy bagel croutons for a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic bread salad.
This panzanella salad recipe uses Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels to create crisp homemade croutons that pair perfectly with fresh berries and creamy dressing.

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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad delivers refreshing flavor, crisp texture and a sweet twist on the traditional dish.
- Sweet bagel croutons: Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels bake into buttery, caramelized croutons.
- Fresh berry combination: Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries create bright, juicy flavor.
- Creamy yogurt addition: Greek or vanilla yogurt adds richness and balances the fruit beautifully.
- Perfect for brunch or dessert: A versatile dish that works for multiple occasions.

Panzanella salad delivers a refreshing combination of sweet berries, creamy yogurt and crisp homemade croutons in every bite.
A special thanks to Dave’s Killer Bread for this fabulous summer salad.
What Goes With Panzanella Salad
This fresh and lightly sweet salad pairs well with brunch dishes and light meals that complement the fruity flavors while creating a balanced spread:
- Breakfast casseroles: A bright, refreshing side that balances savory egg dishes and hearty brunch favorites.
- Grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches: The juicy berries and creamy yogurt provide a sweet contrast to savory sandwiches.
- Smoothies or iced coffee: Refreshing beverages that pair naturally with the fruity, creamy flavors of the salad.
- Pastries or muffins: Light baked treats complement the crunchy croutons and fresh berries beautifully.
- Fruit platters: Additional fresh fruit enhances the bright, summery feel of the dish.

These pairings make panzanella salad perfect for brunches, showers or light summer gatherings.
What Does Panzanella Mean
Panzanella is an Italian word that refers to a bread salad made with stale bread and fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes. My recipe, however, uses summer berries.
The name is believed to come from a combination of the Italian words “pane” meaning bread and “zanella” or “zanella/panella,” referring to a deep plate or bowl.
The dish originated in Italy, particularly in the region of Tuscany, as a practical way to use leftover bread by soaking it with juicy vegetables and dressing.
Berry Panzanella Salad Recipe
Panzanella salad combines fresh berries, creamy yogurt and homemade bagel croutons into a sweet and refreshing dish.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare panzanella salad, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls: To prepare the salad and dressing.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the bagel croutons until crisp.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To slice strawberries and cube bagels.
- Blender or Food Processor: To blend the berry dressing smoothly.
These tools make it easy to create panzanella salad with crisp bagel croutons, juicy berries and creamy dressing every time.

Ingredients
These ingredients come together to create a fresh berry panzanella salad.
Bagel “Croutons”
- Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Salt
Berry Salad
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries (optional)
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
Berry Dressing
- Strawberries
- Brown sugar
- Salt
Serving
- Plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
- Poppy seeds
- Fresh mint (optional)
How To Make Panzanella Salad
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cut the bagels into cubes. Melt butter in a bowl, then stir in brown sugar and salt. Toss the bagel cubes in the butter mixture.
Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries if desired, lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss gently.
To make the dressing, blend strawberries, brown sugar and salt until smooth.
To serve, spoon yogurt into bowls or onto plates and top with berry salad, bagel croutons and berry dressing. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and garnish with fresh mint if desired.
More Berry Salad Recipes
Discover more berry salad recipes that bring fresh flavor and colorful ingredients to your table.
- Warm Goat Cheese with Strawberry Salad Recipe
- Mint and Melon Salad
- Blackberry Peach Salad with Blackberry-Basil Vinaigrette
- Strawberry Caprese Farro Salad
- Grilled Peach Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
- Triple Berry Salad with Halloumi Recipe
- Best Grape Salad
- Wheat Berry Salad with Mixed Berry Vinaigrette
- Best Watermelon Salad with Feta and Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
- Kale Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
- Green Apple Salad With Walnuts
- Citrus & Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Grilled Peach Salad With Goat Cheese
For more delicious salad inspiration:
The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More
Mandy’s Gourmet Salads: Recipes for Lettuce and Life
Seriously Good Salads: Creative Flavor Combinations for Nutritious, Satisfying Meals
Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession
Berry Panzanella Salad
Berry Panzanella Salad combines juicy berries, creamy yogurt and sweet crunchy bagel croutons for a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic bread salad.
Ingredients
Bagel “Croutons:”
- 3 Dave’s Killer Bread Summer Berry Bagels
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Berry Salad:
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced (reserve 1/2 cup for dressing)
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Berry Dressing:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
Serving:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut the bagels into cubes. Melt butter in a bowl, then stir in brown sugar and salt. Toss the bagel cubes in the butter mixture.
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries if desired, lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss gently.
- To make the dressing, blend strawberries, brown sugar and salt until smooth.
- To serve, spoon yogurt into bowls or onto plates and top with berry salad, bagel croutons and berry dressing. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 425Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 647mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 6gSugar: 26gProtein: 15g
Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
For more delicious salad inspiration:
The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More
Mandy’s Gourmet Salads: Recipes for Lettuce and Life
Seriously Good Salads: Creative Flavor Combinations for Nutritious, Satisfying Meals
Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession
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