Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe

There’s something utterly satisfying about transforming humble ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful masterpiece, which is exactly what happens when I whip up this grilled bread salad. With just a few fresh veggies and a loaf of crusty bread, we’ve got ourselves a dish that’s as stunning as it is simple.

I love making dishes that meld simplicity and vivid taste, and my Grilled Panzanella Salad is no exception. This Mediterranean-inspired salad, with chunks of toasty ciabatta, sweetened by the summer sun, and mouthwatering grilled cherry tomatoes, is plumped up with umami flavor—no dressing required.

Its vitamin-packed punch comes from the addition of fresh vegetables like cucumbers and grilled red bell peppers, full of the nutrients and healthy fats that brainiacs like me are always telling you about.

Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Crusty Bread: Provides a satisfying crunch and carbohydrates for energy.
• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats that enhance flavor and heart health.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
• Cucumber: Refreshing, hydrating, with low calories and high in vitamins K and B.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crisp, abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and rich in healthy fats, fiber, and iron.
• Capers: Tangy flavor boosters high in antioxidants and micronutrients.

Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, preferably ciabatta or baguette
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for grilling
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces (optional)

How to Make this Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe

1. Get your grill ready at medium-high setting. Cut a loaf of bread into big, 1-inch thick slices, and cover both sides of each slice with a nice coating of olive oil.

2. Toast the bread slices on the grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are crispy and have beautiful grill marks. Take them off the grill and let them cool.

3. When they have cooled, cut the grilled bread into bite-sized cubes and put them in a large salad bowl.

4. Combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, halved kalamata olives, and drained capers with the bowl containing the bread.

5. Tear the leaves of fresh basil and add them to the salad.

6. If opting for fresh mozzarella, tear it into pieces that are a suitable size for biting and add it to the salad bowl.

7. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

8. Add the dressing to the bowl containing the mixture of bread and vegetables.

9. Lightly toss the salad to guarantee that all components are thoroughly mixed and the bread soaks up the dressing.

10. Let the salad rest for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving so that the flavors can blend together. Then go ahead and serve and enjoy!

Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Grill
2. Bread knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large salad bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Tongs or salad servers
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use a different kind of bread?For sure! Although ciabatta or baguette is recommended for their crusty texture, any firm, rustic bread will work just as well for grilling.
• Is it necessary to grill the bread?The flavor and texture can be improved by grilling, but if you’d rather not grill your sandwich, you can toast the bread in the oven for a truly delicious melt.
• What can I use instead of kalamata olives?Kalamata olives can be swapped out for green olives or any olive variety that you like.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?It is most enjoyable fresh, but you can prepare the components and grill the bread ahead of time, then put together the salad right before you serve it.
• What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?Substituting with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will give a slightly different flavor.
• Is the mozzarella necessary?The mozzarella is not necessary but adds creaminess; the salad is delicious without it if you prefer a lighter dish.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in a sealed container for two days in the refrigerator, remembering that the Mary Poppins effect may cause your leftover bread to work its way back to a fresh, soft state. (A microwave creates a similar effect.)

Grilled Panzanella Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of a crusty loaf of bread, use sourdough or a rustic country loaf.
If you do not have cherry tomatoes, use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
If you want to change the color and flavor of your dish, substitute a yellow or orange bell pepper for the red bell pepper.
Substitute shallots or sweet onions for the red onion to get a milder taste.
If fresh mozzarella is not at hand, then tangy feta or goat cheese can be used as an alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Grill the Bread Perfectly Make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high and oil the bread slices generously to create beautiful, crispy grill marks without burning them. This will add a lovely smoky flavor to the salad.

2. Use High-Quality Olive Oil and Vinegar Since the dressing is simple, the quality of olive oil and red wine vinegar can significantly impact the flavor of the final dish. Opt for extra virgin olive oil and a well-balanced red wine vinegar for the best results.

3. Let the Salad Rest After tossing the salad with the dressing, allow it to sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting time helps the bread absorb the dressing and allows the flavors of the vegetables and herbs to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.

4. Customize with Seasonal Vegetables Feel free to add or substitute seasonal vegetables to add variety and fresh flavors. For example, in summer, you might include grilled zucchini or corn.

5. Add a Protein Boost For a more filling version, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also makes the salad a complete meal.