Summer Panzanella with Grilled Bread (Printable Version)

A refreshing summer panzanella salad bursting with flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 thick slices of rustic country bread
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 garlic clove, halved

→ Vegetables

04 - 400 grams ripe mixed tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small cucumber, sliced into half-moons
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 handful fresh basil leaves

→ Vinaigrette

09 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush bread slices with olive oil on both sides.
02 - Grill bread for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp and charred. Remove from grill and immediately rub the cut side of the garlic clove over the warm bread.
03 - Tear grilled bread into bite-sized chunks and place in a large salad bowl.
04 - Add tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh basil to the bowl with bread.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
06 - Pour vinaigrette over salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak up dressing.
07 - Serve at room temperature, garnished with extra basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This dish is a fabulous use of day-old bread that transforms leftovers into something extraordinary.
  • It’s a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly highlights summer’s best produce.
02 -
  • Letting the salad sit is crucial; it allows the bread to soak up the vinaigrette without becoming mushy.
  • Be generous with the basil; it truly makes the flavors pop and adds freshness.
03 -
  • Always use day-old bread to ensure it holds up when soaking in the dressing.
  • A splash of lemon juice can brighten the vinaigrette beautifully.
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