Imagine a salad that captures the essence of summer in a single, mouthwatering dish - the Summer Peach Panzanella is your culinary ticket to flavor paradise! This Italian-inspired creation transforms humble ingredients into a stunning symphony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a light, refreshing meal, this salad promises to be the star of your dining experience.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Stale bread, cubed
- Peaches, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If your bread isn't stale, spread cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, allowing the bread to dry out.
- While the bread is toasting, wash and prepare all fresh produce. Slice peaches into wedges, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and roughly tear fresh basil leaves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sliced peaches, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
- Create the dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the bread and fruit mixture, gently tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the dressing and flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, sprinkle torn basil leaves over the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, enjoying the mix of crisp bread, juicy peaches, and fresh herbs.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs dressing beautifully without becoming soggy.
- Peach Perfection: Choose ripe but firm peaches for optimal flavor and structural integrity in the salad.
- Dressing Tip: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb the vinaigrette.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the most vibrant dressing.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the peak of flavors and textures.
- Customization: Feel free to add fresh mozzarella or grilled chicken to make this a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
