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
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing • 2 (3/4-inch-thick) slices of country bread • 1 medium zucchini or summer squash, halved • 1/2 large red onion, cut into 4 wedges • kosher salt, to taste • freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 1 clove of 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 packed fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-size pieces • balsamic glaze, to taste, for drizzlingDirections
Heat the grill to medium-high.
Oil the grill grates.
Brush the bread, zucchini, and onion with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill the bread, zucchini, and onion until the bread is lightly charred and toasted, about 30 seconds-1 minute per side, and the zucchini and onion are lightly charred and crisp on the outside, about 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the bread, zucchini, and onion to a work surface.
Rub the garlic on both cut sides of the bread.
Allow everything to cool slightly.
Cut the bread into bite-size pieces.
Thinly slice the zucchini crosswise.
Chop the onion.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil with the red wine vinegar and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
Add the zucchini, onion, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, tossing everything to combine.
Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
Add the bread cubes and toss lightly to combine. This step is important to do last, as the bread can otherwise become soggy quickly.
Serve.
