About
Panzanella takes the concept of the crouton and turns it from a topping to the crunchy core of each bite. Summer Panzanella takes this already fantastically delicious idea and adds a touch of sunshine for the season: crisp grilled country bread, mixed with juicy charred zucchini and onion, bright tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella that comes together for a taste that feels as breezy and fun as a clear afternoon! A drizzle of balsamic glaze brings the tang and a little sweetness to the Summer Panzanella, which makes the brightness of the dish all the brighter!
Ingredients
- 2 (3/4-inch-thick) slices country bread
- 1 medium zucchini or summer squash, halved
- 1/2 large red onion, cut into 4 wedges
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more, to taste
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cups mixed tomatoes, such as heirloom, vine-ripened, cherry, or grape, diced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, torn into bite-size pieces
- balsamic glaze, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 -Heat the grill to medium-high.
Step 2 -Grease the grill grates.
Step 3 -Brush the bread slices, the zucchini, and the onion with the extra olive oil and season with the salt and the pepper.
Step 4 -Grill the bread, the zucchini, and the onion until the bread is lightly charred and toasted, about 30 seconds-1 minute per side, and the vegetables are lightly charred and crisp on the outside, about 3 minutes per side.
Step 5 -Transfer the bread, the zucchini, and the onion to a work surface.
Step 6 -Rub the garlic on both cut sides of the bread slices.
Step 7 -Allow everything to cool slightly.
Step 8 -Cut the bread into bite-size pieces.
Step 9 -Thinly slice the zucchini crosswise.
Step 10 -Chop the onion.
Step 11 -In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil with the red wine vinegar and season with the salt and the pepper.
Step 12 -Add the zucchini, the onion, the tomatoes, the mozzarella, and the basil to the vinaigrette, tossing to combine.
Step 13 -Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
Step 14 -Add the bread cubes right before serving and toss lightly to combine.
Step 15 -Serve.
