Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella Recipe

Ina Garten’s Grilled Panzanella is a delicious twist on the classic Italian bread salad, featuring smoky, charred bread, juicy tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. Grilling the bread enhances its texture, making it slightly crispy on the outside while still absorbing the flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect as a summer side dish or a light meal on its own.

What is Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella?

Ina Garten’s Grilled Panzanella is a rustic Italian-inspired salad made with grilled bread, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, all tossed in a bright vinaigrette. Unlike traditional Panzanella, where the bread soaks up the dressing, grilling the bread first adds a smoky depth and crispy texture that makes this dish extra special.

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• Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• A smoky twist on a classic dish – Grilling the bread adds a delicious charred flavor.
• Perfect for summer gatherings – A refreshing and vibrant salad ideal for BBQs and picnics.
• Easy to customize – Add your favorite vegetables or proteins for a heartier meal.
• Great use for stale bread – Prevents food waste while making a delicious dish.
• Pairs well with grilled meats and seafood – Completes grilled chicken, shrimp, and steak beautifully.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• ½ loaf of crusty ciabatta or French bread cut into thick slices
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow or red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for grilling)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup fresh mozzarella or feta cheese (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Preheat the grill – Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Brush bread with olive oil – Lightly coat both sides of the bread slices with olive oil.
• Grill the bread – Place the bread on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy with grill marks. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Chop the grilled bread – Once cooled, cut the grilled bread into bite-sized cubes.
• Prepare the vegetables – Dice the cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
• Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
• Assemble the salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled bread, chopped vegetables, and fresh basil.
• Toss with dressing – Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together.
• Add cheese (if using) – Sprinkle with fresh mozzarella or feta for extra creaminess.
• Let it sit before serving – Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Pair with grilled chicken or steak – Complement smoky grilled meats beautifully.
• Serve alongside seafood – Pairs well with grilled shrimp or salmon.
• Top with extra protein – Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
• Accompany with a fresh soup – Serve with gazpacho or a light summer soup.
• Use as a side for Italian meals – A great companion to pasta or bruschetta.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Use a sturdy, crusty bread – Soft bread can become too soggy, so opt for ciabatta or French bread.
• Grill the bread just until crispy – Too much charring can make it too dry.
• Let the flavors meld before serving – Allowing the salad to sit enhances the taste.
• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes bring the best flavor.
• Tear basil just before serving – This keeps it fresh and prevents bruising.
• Balance the acidity in the dressing – Adjust the vinegar or mustard to your preference.
• Try a balsamic glaze for extra depth – A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds sweetness.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Make it Mediterranean-style – Add olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano.
• Add grilled peaches for sweetness – A delicious balance of smoky and sweet.
• Use a balsamic dressing instead of red wine vinegar – A richer, deeper flavor.
• Include roasted garlic in the dressing – Add a mild, caramelized garlic taste.
• Toss in arugula for extra greens – Gives a peppery bite and freshness.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Best enjoyed fresh – The bread absorbs dressing over time, so eat within a few hours.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day – Keep them in an airtight container, but note that the texture may soften.
• Store dressing separately if making ahead – This keeps the bread crispy until serving.
• Avoid freezing – The fresh vegetables and bread do not freeze well.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• No need to reheat – This salad is best served fresh at room temperature.
• Revive with fresh dressing – If stored in the fridge, add a little extra vinaigrette before serving.
• Grill fresh bread for leftovers – If the salad gets too soft, grill some extra bread cubes and toss them in.

FAQs

Can I make grilled Panzanella ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, grill the bread and prep the vegetables ahead, then store them separately. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving.

What is the best bread for grilled Panzanella?

The best bread for grilled Panzanella is ciabatta, sourdough, or a crusty French baguette. These hold up well to grilling and dressing without becoming too soft.

Can I make grilled Panzanella without a grill?

Yes, if you don’t have a grill, toast the bread in a dry skillet or oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Grilled Panzanella is a fresh, smoky, and flavorful take on the classic Italian bread salad. With its crisp grilled bread, juicy vegetables, and tangy dressing, this dish is a fantastic addition to any meal.

Try it today and enjoy the bold flavors of summer in every bite!

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