Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite summer salads: peach panzanella salad! Oh, it’s a delightful medley of juicy, ripe peaches and crusty bread that just screams freshness. The combination of sweet peaches with the tang of cherry tomatoes and the aromatic basil is simply irresistible. I love to whip this up when the peaches are at their peak—there’s just something magical about enjoying them at their sweetest! Plus, the crunchy toasted bread adds a satisfying texture that makes every bite an adventure. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a light lunch on a warm day. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one all summer long!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups ripe peaches, diced
- 4 cups cubed crusty bread
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Peach Panzanella Salad
Getting this peach panzanella salad ready is super simple and so rewarding! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy this refreshing dish in no time.
Preheat and Toast the Bread
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and spread the cubed crusty bread evenly across it. Pop it in the oven and toast the bread for about 10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and deliciously crunchy. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt bread!
Combine the Salad Ingredients
While the bread is toasting, let’s get the salad going! In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and the chopped fresh basil. This is where the magic starts to happen! Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together without bruising the peaches too much. You want all those beautiful colors to shine!
Add Bread and Dress the Salad
Once your bread is perfectly toasted, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the warm, crunchy bread to your bowl of fruits and veggies. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, and then—very gently—toss everything together. You want to mix it just enough so the bread soaks up all that delicious dressing without turning to mush. Oh, the aroma is incredible!
Season and Let Sit
Last but not least, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Now, here’s a little trick: let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Refreshing and light, ideal for summer picnics or barbecues.
- Combines sweet peaches with crunchy bread for delightful texture.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or herbs.
- Full of vibrant colors and flavors that brighten any meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this peach panzanella salad. Keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This salad is not only delicious but also a light and healthy option for your meals! Enjoy the fresh flavors while keeping your nutrition in check.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your peach panzanella salad turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Choose Ripe Peaches: The star of this salad is definitely the peaches, so make sure they’re ripe and fragrant. You want them sweet and juicy for that burst of flavor!
- Use Stale Bread: If you have some leftover bread that’s a day or two old, it’s perfect for this recipe! Stale bread holds up better when mixed with the dressing, absorbing all those delicious flavors without getting soggy.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add in other ingredients like diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even some radishes for an extra crunch and color! The more, the merrier!
- Let It Marinate: If you have time, letting the salad sit for a little longer than 10 minutes can really enhance the flavors. Just be cautious not to let it sit too long, or the bread might get too soft.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil is a classic choice here, but feel free to mix in some mint or parsley for a different twist. Fresh herbs really elevate the entire dish!
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this vibrant and delicious salad! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the joy of pairing dishes! This peach panzanella salad is so versatile, and it can elevate any meal with its vibrant flavors. Here are some of my favorite ideas for serving it:
- Grilled Chicken: A juicy grilled chicken breast drizzled with a light lemon dressing complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully. It’s a match made in heaven!
- Fish Tacos: Serve this salad alongside some zesty fish tacos. The fresh flavors of the salad balance out the spices in the tacos perfectly.
- Caprese Skewers: For a fun appetizer, whip up some caprese skewers with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes. They make for a delightful companion to your salad!
- Charcuterie Board: Include the salad on a charcuterie board filled with your favorite cheeses, cured meats, and olives. It adds a refreshing element that guests will love.
- Light Pasta Dish: Pair it with a light pasta dish tossed in olive oil and garlic. The salad will add a burst of freshness that contrasts nicely with the warm pasta.
These suggestions not only enhance the meal experience but also allow you to enjoy the salad in a variety of ways. Get creative and mix and match to find your perfect pairing!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about peach panzanella salad, along with my answers to help you make the most of this delicious dish!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the salad just before serving. If you mix it too early, the bread might get soggy from the dressing.
What can I substitute for peaches?
If peaches aren’t in season or you want to mix it up, try using nectarines or even ripe plums! They’ll bring a similar sweetness and texture to the salad.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Just keep in mind that the bread may lose its crunch. You can always add a little fresh bread before serving if you want that texture back!
What should I serve with peach panzanella salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a side to a hearty pasta dish. It’s so versatile that you can enjoy it with many different meals!
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to balance the flavors so they complement the peaches.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your peach panzanella salad properly is key to keeping its vibrant flavors intact! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), here’s what you need to do:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it as soon as possible. This helps keep everything fresh and safe to eat.
- Enjoy Within a Day: For the best taste and texture, try to eat your leftover salad within 24 hours. The bread will start to lose its crunch over time, so the sooner, the better!
- No Reheating Needed: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to heat it up. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving, and you’re good to go!
- Refresh Before Serving: If you find the bread has gotten a bit soggy, you can always add a handful of fresh, cubed bread to revitalize that delightful crunch!
By following these storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your peach panzanella salad even after it’s first been served. Keep it fresh, and dive back into those juicy, flavorful bites!
Imprimer
Peach Panzanella Salad: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing salad featuring ripe peaches and crusty bread.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups ripe peaches, diced
- 4 cups cubed crusty bread
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
- Toast the bread in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine peaches, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil.
- Add the toasted bread to the bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing and baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 9g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: peach panzanella salad