As much as I love to cook, I have to admit that (especially in the summer) I don’t really enjoy spending more than an hour in the kitchen…and, well, not any time cleaning up. When the weather turns warm, I’m into dishes that incorporate colorful seasonal ingredients and don’t alter them too much from their original state… why mess with a good thing, you know? I’m always looking to add these types of dishes to my file of faves, and this grilled panzanella is a no-brainer. If you can chop veggies and turn on a grill, you’ve got this one covered. And an added bonus? I don’t think that my meat-loving husband even noticed he was eating a vegetarian meal… he was far too busy scooping up seconds! Keep reading for the recipe you’ll probably be making all summer long, and since I’d love to get inspired with more summer salads, leave a comment letting me know your favorite!
Grilled Panzanella Salad
*serves 4
- 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, quartered
- 2 yellow bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, quartered
- 2 zucchini, trimmed, cut on the diagonal into 1/2″ thick pieces
- 4 slices crusty white italian bread
- olive oil, salt & pepper
- 1 english cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1/3 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar
- 4 oz piece of feta, broken into chunks (I’d love to try this with fresh mozzarella next time!)
- Heat grill to medium. Brush peppers, zucchini, and bread on both sides with oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Grill peppers and zucchini until slightly charred and just tender, turning often, about 6 minutes. Add bread for the last 3 minutes of cooking, and grill until lightly charred and just crisp, turning often. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool.
- Meanwhile, combine cucumber, tomatoes, olives, mint and basil in a large bowl. Chop peppers, zucchini into 1/2″ pieces and add to bowl. Tear bread into 1″ pieces and add to bowl.
- Whisk oil and vinegar together, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add dressing to salad, toss to gently coat, and add feta.
*For other summer salad ideas, try:
- Thai Steak & Noodle Salad
- Beet, Avocado & Grapefruit Salad
- Grilled Shrimp & Corn Salad
- Crunchy Asian Salad
That looks amazing. We love to eat the tomatoes right out of the garden (I have to be quick if I want to beat the children and use them (the tomatoes, not the children) in my cooking) and this dish sounds like a perfect one for us. Thank you for sharing!
Oh this looks so good! Perfect for summer.
That salad is mouthwatering! The colors look beautiful against that rustic wooden bowl.
One of my favorites is baby arugula or baby spinach with avocado, thinly sliced fennel, cannellini beans or butter beans, toasted pine nuts or walnuts, and a lemon-thyme dressing. Sometimes I add a poached egg on top. Yum!
Mia – that sounds amazing!! Adding to my must-try list this summer!
Sounds so good. I love making panzanella, but I’ve actually never grilled the bread. This looks like a tasty and easy touch to try out next time.
Stay in the Lines
i just made a version of this yesterday and drizzled balsamic crema on top for a sweet finish. TO DIE FOR! x
Oooh, love balsamic ANYTHING, but balsamic crema? Tell me more!
it’s like a balsamic syrup! i buy it at gourmet stores… it’s all i use for salads now! more deets: http://www.earthy.com/Earthy-Delights-Crema-di-Balsamico-Balsamic-Cream-500-ml-P125.aspx
This looks delicious! You’re so right, meals like this are perfect for the hot summer evenings–can’t wait to try it out!
This salad looks delicious! Can’t wait to get home and try it – will be hitting up the grocery store tonight for the ingredients I’m missing!
Sarah
smalltowncatwalk.blogspot.ca
that salad bowl is perfect! where is it from? thanks camille
oh my gahhh this looks amazing. as i just told someone else – im juicing right now and everything looks good compared to these nasty liquids. but this really DOES look good. im dogearring this
ok totally had to post this! had to let you know
http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/05/food-coma.html
This sounds SO delicious. I can’t wait to make it.
Oh wow….this looks amazing! I can’t wait to make this. My family loves dishes like this!
YUM!
THIS LOOKS AMAZING! I want to make it tonight
heytherecalifornia.wordpress.com
That might be the perfect summer dish, and I haven’t had it for ages. It’s definitely going on my menu for next week!
This is definitely one of my favorite summer recipes. We just made it the other night and I highly recommend it.
Looks delicious…think I will make this tonight!
I bought all the ingredients and I found fresh mozzarella “pearls” to add…can’t wait!