Unbeatable Summer Panzanella Recipe

Panzanella is an exemplary summer dish because it captures the essence of flavor that we love about the season. It's simple and light, making it ideal for a leisurely lunch or as an accompaniment to grilled chicken at your next potluck dinner party.

This dish only improves with time, so be sure to let it sit for a bit before serving so that the bread gets nice and soaked in all of that delicious tomato juice! This panzanella salad recipe is the perfect way to show off all the amazing produce summer has to offer.

INGREDIENTS OF SUMMER PANZANELLA

• 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

• 2 3/4"-thick slices of country bread

• 1 medium zucchini or summer squash, halved

• 1/2 large red onion, cut into 4 wedges

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

• 4 c. diced mixed tomatoes (such as heirloom, vine-ripened, cherry, and grape)

• 1 c. cubed fresh mozzarella

• 1/2 c. packed fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-size pieces

• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUMMER PANZANELLA

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and be sure to oil the grates before cooking. Next, brush olive oil on the bread, zucchini, and onions. Season with salt and pepper for taste.

• Grill the bread and veggies until the bread is slightly charred on both sides, 30 seconds to 1 minute. The zucchini and onion should also be grilled for 3 minutes per side or until they are lightly charred and crisp-tender.

• Once the bread, zucchini, and onion have been grilled, move them to a work surface. To finish up, rub garlic on both cut sides of the bread before letting everything cool slightly.

• Cut the bread into small squares, thinly slice the zucchini crosswise, and chop up the onion.

• In a big bowl, whisk oil and the vinegar together until smooth. Then season with salt and pepper to taste. Afterward, add bread cubes, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese squares, and basil leaves.

• Gently toss everything together until coated evenly before drizzling balsamic glaze on top right before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best summer panzanella

• Use Quality Bread: Panzanella is a bread salad, so the quality of your bread matters. Opt for a rustic, hearty loaf that can soak up the dressing and hold its shape.

• Ripe Tomatoes are Key: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes. They provide the juicy, sweet flavor that makes this salad shine.

• Dress to Impress: Make sure to dress your Panzanella just before serving to keep the bread from becoming too soggy.

• Fresh Herbs: Don't skimp on fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

• Balance Your Flavors: A good Panzanella has a balance of flavors. Make sure there's enough acidity (from vinegar or lemon juice), sweetness (from the tomatoes), and savoriness (from the bread and other ingredients).

• Let it Marinate: Allow your salad to sit for a while before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and the bread to soak up the delicious juices.

• Add Variety: Feel free to mix in other summer veggies or even some mozzarella or feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

Dishes best paired with grilled panzanella
Grilled Panzanella, a delicious summer salad, pairs well with various dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary: The earthy flavor of roasted potatoes can complement the fresh, tangy taste of Panzanella perfectly.

• Grilled Vegetables with Balsamic Vinaigrette: This can add an extra layer of grilled flavor to your meal, enhancing the taste profile.

• Whole Roasted Chicken or Grilled Fish: These proteins can balance out the carbohydrate-rich panzanella salad, making for a hearty meal.

• Pasta Dishes: Whether it's spaghetti and meatballs or creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi, pasta dishes can be a great side for panzanella.

• Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled veggies can provide a variety of flavors that pair well with panzanella.

• BBQ Chicken: BBQ chicken's smoky, savory taste can contrast nicely with a fresh panzanella salad.

It's important to note that pairing depends on personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Types of bread that can be made into Panzanella
Panzanella is a classic Italian salad that traditionally uses stale bread. However, the type of bread can significantly affect the texture and flavor of the salad. Here are some types of bread that work well:

• Artisan Bread: This type of bread has a firm crust and dense crumb which stands up well to the dressing and ingredients in panzanella.

• Ciabatta: Known for its chewy texture and rustic character, it's a popular choice for Panzanella.

• Sourdough: Its tangy flavor complements the fresh ingredients of the salad, and its sturdy texture holds up well.

• French Bread: It has a thick, crispy crust and soft, chewy interior that works well in this salad.

• Pane di Casa: This Italian bread with a thick crust and fluffy interior also makes for good Panzanella.

• Turkish Bread: Its open crumb structure makes it great at soaking up the dressing while maintaining some crunch.

Avoid using bread types that are too soft or lack a substantial crust, such as brioche or challah, as they tend to become too soggy in the salad. The key is to use sturdy, hearty bread that can soak up the flavors of the salad without losing its texture.

Outdoor Kitchen Outlet
At Outdoor Kitchen Outlet, we know that Summer Panzanella is a favorite summer dish. That's why we are proud to offer grills that will give you the perfect crust on your bread and keep the temperature consistent so your vegetables don't get over- or undercooked. With our selection of grills, you can ensure all Summer Panzanella components come out perfect every time. Get your grill from Outdoor Kitchen Outlet today and enjoy the deliciousness of Summer Panzanella! Call us now at (888) 667-4986 to learn more about our grills or visit our website for more information.