Skip to main content

Radicchio, Fennel, and Olive Panzanella

This vibrant radicchio, fennel, and olive panzanella is a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian bread salad. The combination of bitter radicchio leaves and the aniseed crunch of thinly sliced fennel creates a complex flavour profile that perfectly balances the salty notes of the aged sheep's-milk cheese and olives. By tossing the bread in lemon zest before roasting, each bite delivers a bright, citrusy punch that lifts the entire dish.

As a high-protein salad, this recipe is bolstered by the addition of savoury hard salami and shaved Manchego, making it a substantial lunch or a satisfying evening meal. It is an excellent choice for meal prep, as the textures hold up beautifully when dressed in advance, allowing the bread to absorb the oregano-infused vinaigrette. Serve it as a standalone main or as a bold side dish for a Mediterranean spread.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Radicchio, Fennel, and Olive Panzanella

  • 170g country-style bread, torn into bite-size pieces (about 600g )

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 120ml olive oil, divided

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

  • 1 small head radicchio, torn into bite-size pieces

  • 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves with tender stems

  • 80g green olives, pitted, halved

  • 90g aged sheep's-milk cheese (such as Manchego), shaved

  • 90g hard salami, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 204°C. Toss bread with lemon zest and 60ml oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake, tossing occasionally, until crisp on the outside but still chewy in the centre, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

Whisk shallot, lemon juice, vinegar, and oregano in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil.

Add radicchio, fennel, parsley, olives, cheese, salami, and bread to dressing; toss to combine.

DO AHEAD: Salad can be dressed the night before. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.