Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a salad that screams summer, then my peach panzanella salad is just the ticket! I remember the first time I had a panzanella salad – it was at a quaint little Italian bistro, and I was instantly hooked. The combination of juicy peaches, crisp vegetables, and toasty bread creates a vibrant dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. What makes this recipe stand out is the way the flavors meld together, especially if you let it sit for just a bit. The sweetness of the peaches paired with the tangy dressing and fresh basil creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you try this peach panzanella salad, it’ll become your go-to summer recipe!
Ingredients List
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Peach Panzanella Salad
Step 1: Toast the Bread
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and spread your cubed stale bread in an even layer. I love using day-old bread because it toasts up so beautifully! Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the bread toast for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it because nobody likes burnt bread, right? The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s toasting is just heavenly!
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Now that your bread is toasty and ready to go, it’s time to prep the fresh ingredients. In a large bowl, combine those lovely sliced peaches, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget the fresh basil! I like to give it a rough chop to release all those amazing flavors. This combination is so vibrant and colorful; it practically screams summer! Give everything a gentle toss to mix those ingredients together.
Step 3: Combine and Dress the Salad
Once your bread is perfectly toasted, it’s time to add it to the bowl with your fresh salad mixture. Now for the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined because this is where all the magic happens! Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all those beautiful ingredients are coated without breaking the peaches. I love how the bread soaks up the dressing, adding an incredible texture to the salad!
Step 4: Allow to Rest
Okay, now here’s a little secret: letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s like a mini flavor party in your bowl! You can serve this peach panzanella salad chilled or at room temperature, depending on your mood. Either way, it’s going to be a hit at your summer gatherings!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying my peach panzanella salad, you’ll not only savor the fresh flavors but also get a healthy dose of goodness! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This salad is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce, packed with vitamins and nutrients from the fresh peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Plus, the healthy fats from the olive oil and the fiber from the bread help keep you feeling satisfied. So, enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating your body well while indulging in something so delicious!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect peach panzanella salad is all about the little details. Here are my top tips to ensure your salad shines every time:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Trust me, day-old bread is the key! It has the perfect texture for toasting and soaking up all that delicious dressing without getting too mushy. If you don’t have any on hand, just leave fresh bread out for a few hours before using it.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning! I always recommend starting with a little salt and pepper, then taste before serving. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference – sometimes it needs a pinch more salt or a dash of vinegar for that extra zing.
- Add Cheese: If you’re feeling a little indulgent (and who isn’t?), toss in some mozzarella or feta cheese! Both add a lovely creaminess that complements the sweet peaches and tangy dressing beautifully.
- Experiment with Herbs: While basil is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Fresh mint or parsley can bring a different flavor profile, giving your salad a unique twist. Play around and find your favorite combination!
- Chill, Don’t Chill: Serving this salad chilled or at room temperature is a personal choice. If you want a refreshing dish on a hot day, let it chill in the fridge for a bit. But if you prefer it at room temp, go ahead and serve it right after tossing!
These tips will help elevate your peach panzanella salad, making it a standout dish at any summer gathering. Happy salad making!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Vibrant: Each bite of my peach panzanella salad bursts with the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches and the crispness of fresh veggies, making it a true celebration of summer flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just about 25 minutes, perfect for those lazy summer days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with fresh produce and healthy fats from olive oil, it’s a guilt-free treat that nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add cheese, switch up the herbs, or toss in your favorite veggies, this recipe is super flexible to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a showstopper at barbecues, picnics, or any summer get-together. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Great for Leftovers: This salad is fantastic for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your peach panzanella salad properly is key to preserving its fresh flavors and textures. If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to keep them at their best:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It can last for about 2-3 days, but I recommend enjoying it within the first 24 hours for the best taste and texture. After that, the bread may get a little soggy, and we don’t want that!
- Serving Cold: This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, just give it a gentle toss before serving to re-distribute the flavors. You might find that the flavors have melded even more, making it extra tasty!
- Reheating: Now, here’s the thing—panzanella salad isn’t really meant to be reheated. The bread and veggies are best enjoyed fresh, so I’d recommend serving it cold. If you must, you can quickly warm the salad in a pan over low heat, but keep in mind that this might change the texture of the bread!
By following these simple storage tips, you can savor your peach panzanella salad for a couple of days while keeping that delightful summer vibe alive. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruits in my panzanella salad?
Absolutely! While peaches are my favorite, you can experiment with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits will bring their own unique flavors and sweetness to the salad.
What type of bread works best for peach panzanella salad?
I recommend using day-old crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough. They hold up well when toasted and soaked in the dressing without getting too mushy. Fresh bread is fine too, but it’s best to let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but I suggest adding the dressing just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy. If you need to make it in advance, store the salad components separately and toss them together right before you dig in!
Is peach panzanella salad gluten-free?
This salad isn’t gluten-free due to the bread, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure it fits your dietary needs!
Can I add protein to my peach panzanella salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can make this salad more filling and turn it into a meal. Just toss in your protein of choice along with the vegetables and bread for a hearty summer dish!
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Peach Panzanella Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Summer Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant peach panzanella salad.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden.
- In a large bowl, combine peaches, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and basil.
- Add the toasted bread to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture.
- Feel free to add mozzarella or feta for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peach panzanella salad, summer salad, fresh salad
