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.