Savory Summer Garden Panzanella Recipe by Ina Garten

Summer’s bounty comes alive in this vibrant Ina Garten grilled panzanella recipe that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Crusty bread, charred to perfection, mingles with ripe tomatoes and crisp vegetables in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Grilling transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, creating depth and smokiness with every bite.

Rustic and elegant, this salad breaks traditional boundaries of what a side dish can be.

The combination of grilled bread, juicy tomatoes, and zesty herbs delivers a symphony of textures and tastes.

Herbs plucked straight from the garden add a bright, aromatic touch that makes this recipe sing.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated salad that turns ordinary ingredients into an exceptional meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 6

Must-Have Ingredients for Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Bread: Crusty base that adds delightful crunch and soaks up delicious vinaigrette flavors, choosing day-old rustic Italian or sourdough works best.
• Olive Oil: Essential for grilling and adding richness, select extra virgin for robust flavor and smooth texture.

• Cucumber, Tomato: Crisp summer vegetables providing refreshing coolness and juicy texture, select ripe, firm produce with vibrant colors.
• Onion, Bell Peppers: Grilled vegetables that deliver smoky depth and sweet caramelized notes, pick firm peppers without blemishes and sweet onions.
• Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb bringing bright, peppery freshness, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Capers: Tangy flavor bombs adding unexpected zesty punch, select brined capers for balanced saltiness.

• Garlic: Pungent flavor enhancer, choose fresh cloves for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Mustard: Provides creamy emulsification and sharp undertone, Dijon works perfectly.
• Vinegar: Adds bright acidic balance, red wine vinegar recommended for traditional flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for developing deep, layered taste profiles.

Equipment Suggestions for Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Charcoal Grill: Essential for creating smoky, grilled flavors and achieving perfect char marks on vegetables and bread.
• Grill Brush: Helps oil the grilling rack and prevent food from sticking during cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining vegetables, bread, and tossing with vinaigrette.
• Small Bowl: Used for whisking together vinaigrette ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a surface for chopping and preparing vegetables after grilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending vinaigrette ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping vegetables and bread on the grill safely.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing vegetables and cutting grilled peppers into strips.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

Grilled Panzanella Adventure

• Fiery Grill Preparation

Get your charcoal grill blazing hot and ready for delicious action. Lightly brush the grate with olive oil to create a non-stick surface for your culinary magic.

• Flavor Explosion Vinaigrette

Whisk together garlic, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This zesty mixture will bring your salad to life with incredible taste.

• Veggie Symphony

Combine cucumber, tomatoes, basil leaves, and capers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, creating a colorful medley of fresh ingredients.

• Grilling Veggie Magic

Brush onions and peppers with olive oil. Grill each side for about 4 minutes until they develop beautiful char marks and become tender and slightly caramelized.

• Bread Transformation

Coat bread slices with olive oil and toast on the grill until they turn golden and crispy. These will become the crunchy backbone of your panzanella.

• Delicious Finale

Chop grilled vegetables and toss them with the bread and veggie mixture. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over everything, ensuring each bite is packed with incredible Mediterranean flavors.

Flavor Boosts for Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Experiment with different wood chips like hickory or applewood to infuse smoky flavors into your grilled vegetables and bread.
• Crumble fresh mozzarella or sprinkle shaved parmesan over the panzanella for added richness and creamy texture.
• Boost the dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced salami to transform it into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Replace summer vegetables with autumn produce like roasted butternut squash, delicata squash, or grilled portobello mushrooms during cooler months for a year-round adaptation.
• Mix fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or tarragon alongside basil to create a more complex and layered herbal profile in your panzanella salad.

Serving Tips for Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella

• Serve as a Fresh Summer Meal: Pile the grilled panzanella onto large rustic plates, showcasing the colorful mix of grilled vegetables and crispy bread.
• Create a Hearty Side Dish: Pair this panzanella with grilled chicken, fish, or steak to complement the smoky flavors and add extra substance to the meal.
• Enhance with Fresh Cheese: Crumble fresh mozzarella or sprinkle some goat cheese on top to add a creamy texture and rich flavor that balances the grilled vegetables.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Scatter additional fresh basil leaves or chop some parsley over the top to brighten the dish and add a final burst of fresh flavor.

How to Keep Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella Fresh

• Quick Prep Strategy: Chop all vegetables and make vinaigrette earlier in the day to streamline cooking process and reduce evening meal preparation time.
• Advance Ingredient Readiness: Store cut vegetables in sealed containers in refrigerator up to 24 hours before grilling to maintain freshness and save cooking time.
• Smart Leftover Handling: Transfer remaining panzanella to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Note that bread might soften, so enjoy within 24 hours for best texture and crunch.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Allow salad to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to let vinaigrette deeply infuse vegetables and bread with maximum taste complexity.

Rustic Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s grilled panzanella salad combines rustic Italian bread with fresh summer vegetables and herbs. Mediterranean flavors merge into a delightful dish you’ll savor as a perfect light meal or side.

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Ingredients

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• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 3 large pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 3 large pieces
• 1 large ripe tomato, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced ½-inch thick
• 1 red onion, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• ½ small ficelle, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 10 large basil leaves
• 3 tbsps capers, drained
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps champagne vinegar
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Fire up the charcoal grill to high heat, lightly oiling the grate to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cooking.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk together garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, setting the vibrant dressing aside for later use.
3. Vegetable and Herb Preparation: Combine cucumber, roma tomatoes, basil leaves, and capers in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Vegetable Grilling: Brush bell peppers and red onion with olive oil, grilling for 4 minutes per side until charred and tender. Transfer to a cutting board and slice peppers into strips, separating onion rings.
5. Bread Transformation: Generously coat bread slices with olive oil, grilling until crisp and golden-brown on both sides. Incorporate the warm, smoky grilled vegetables and toasted bread into the prepared vegetable mixture.
6. Final Fusion: Drizzle the reserved vinaigrette over the salad, carefully tossing to ensure each ingredient is thoroughly coated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Grill Temperature Control: Ensure coals reach optimal heat for perfect charring without burning vegetables or bread.
• Vinaigrette Preparation Tip: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a smooth, well-incorporated sauce.
• Vegetable Grilling Strategy: Watch vegetables closely while grilling, rotating to achieve even char marks and prevent overcooking.
• Bread Toasting Technique: Brush bread generously with olive oil and grill quickly to achieve crispy exterior while maintaining soft interior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg