Last night's: Grilled Panzanella Salad with Bell Peppers, Summer Squash, and Tomatoes

Marg CDN

Well-known member
I used ciabatta and the squash was a regular pepper squash. Although I love capers, I used them scantily and was glad I did. We gave it a full 10 and will have another tonight with spatchcock chicken.

Grilled Panzanella Salad with Bell Peppers, Summer Squash, and Tomatoes

8 servings Bon Appétit | August 2005

Grilled vegetables pump up the classic Tuscan bread-and-tomato salad. What to drink: An Italian white like Vernaccia di San Gimignano or Orvieto. Can't find ciabatta? Use any good-quality crusty Italian or French bread.

Salad

1 1/2 pounds assorted bell peppers (about 3 large), cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips

1 1/2 pounds assorted summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices

1 medium-size red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

1 12-14 oz loaf of ciabatta, some crust trimmed, cut crosswise into 1" thick slices

Extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, peeled, cut into thirds

Dressing

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound tomatoes, cored, cut into 3/4-inch dice, juices reserved

1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/4 cup coarsely chopped assorted fresh herbs (chives, dill, chervil, and tarragon)

2 tablespoons drained capers

For salad:

Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Brush both sides of bell peppers, squash, onion, and bread slices lightly with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill vegetables until tender and brown, about 4 minutes per side for peppers and squash and 3 minutes per side for onion. Grill bread until browned and crisp, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Cool slightly. Rub bread with cut sides of garlic. Tear bread into 3/4-inch pieces; place in very large bowl. Cut grilled vegetables into 1-inch pieces; add to bread in bowl.

For dressing:

Whisk first 3 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in 1/3 cup oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Add dressing, tomatoes with juices, and all remaining ingredients to salad; toss. Let stand 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

 
Marg, this sounds really wonderful...

it never occurred to me to grill the bread for panzanella. Must try. And what a perfect time: trying to squeeze the last days of summer, with the last tomatoes from the garden, and use up the surfeit of sourdough bread I baked last weekend.

Perfect.

 
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