Ina Garten’s Irresistible Grilled Panzanella Recipe

Ina Garten’s grilled panzanella transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that captures the essence of rustic Italian cuisine.

Summer’s vibrant bounty comes alive through this ingenious bread salad that celebrates fresh, seasonal produce.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each carefully composed bite, blending crisp textures with bright, zesty notes.

The recipe balances charred bread cubes against juicy vegetables, creating a symphony of taste and color.

Sun-drenched ingredients mingle effortlessly, telling a story of simple yet sophisticated cooking techniques.

Traditional elements merge with contemporary flair, elevating a humble dish into something spectacular.

Prepare to be transported by this remarkable combination of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients: an invitation to savor summer’s most delightful flavors awaits you.

Why Grilled Panzanella Screams Summer

• Grill and Savor Smoky Flavors: The charcoal grill transforms ordinary vegetables and bread into a deliciously smoky dish that captures the essence of summer cooking, creating deep, rich flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: This recipe magically turns basic ingredients like bread, tomatoes, and peppers into a restaurant-worthy salad, proving that simple components can create an extraordinary culinary experience with the right techniques.
• Enjoy Quick and Fresh Preparation: Requiring just 20 minutes and minimal cooking skills, this panzanella offers a hassle-free meal that celebrates fresh vegetables and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Behind the Crusty, Juicy Magic

• Bread: Rustic Italian or sourdough bread that provides a hearty foundation and crisp texture when grilled.

• Cucumber, Tomato, Onion, Bell Peppers: Fresh summer vegetables that offer vibrant colors, crisp textures, and sweet grilled flavors.
• Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that adds bright, fresh notes and classic Mediterranean essence.
• Capers: Small briny pickles that provide a tangy, salty punch to the salad.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that infuses deep, sharp flavor into the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Creamy condiment that helps emulsify and adds a subtle tangy kick.
• Vinegar: Acidic component that balances and brightens the overall dish.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base for the vinaigrette with a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

How to Grill Bread Without Drying It Out

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your charcoal grill and let the coals reach intense heat. Lightly brush the grill rack with olive oil to prevent ingredients from sticking.

Step 2: Craft the Zesty Vinaigrette

• Finely minced garlic
• Tangy Dijon mustard
• Balsamic vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Set the vibrant dressing aside to let flavors mingle.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Vegetable Medley

• Crisp cucumber slices
• Ripe, juicy tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Briny capers

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss the ingredients to blend flavors.

Step 4: Char the Vegetables

Brush onion slices and bell peppers with olive oil. Grill each side for 4 minutes, creating beautiful caramelized marks. The vegetables should be tender and slightly charred.

Step 5: Transform Grilled Vegetables

Transfer grilled vegetables to a cutting board. Slice peppers into half-inch strips and separate onion rings. Add these smoky vegetables to the existing vegetable mixture.

Step 6: Toast Rustic Bread

Coat bread slices generously with olive oil. Grill until golden and crispy on both sides, developing a delightful crunch and smoky flavor. Add toasted bread to the vegetable bowl.

Step 7: Bring Everything Together

Drizzle the reserved vinaigrette over the bread and vegetables. Toss gently, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the zesty dressing.

Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, rustic salad that captures the essence of Mediterranean summer cuisine!

Tips for a Balanced Tomato-Bread Ratio

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to create uniform vegetable and bread cuts, ensuring even grilling and a harmonious texture throughout the dish.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and slice bread before starting to grill, making the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
• Season Generously: Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on vegetables and bread before grilling to maximize flavor development.
• Grill at Right Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful char marks without burning the bread or vegetables.
• Rest and Blend: Allow grilled ingredients to cool slightly before mixing, letting the flavors meld together and preventing soggy bread.

How to Store Panzanella Without Losing Crunch

• Bread Storage: Preserve crusty bread in a paper bag at room temperature for maximum crispness, preventing moisture buildup. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture and prevent staleness. Use within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and crunch.
• Vegetable Preservation: Separate tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs in individual sealed containers to prevent premature wilting and cross-contamination. Place paper towels at container bottoms to absorb excess moisture, extending freshness. Refrigerate vegetables in the crisper drawer, maintaining temperatures between 35-40°F.
• Leftover Salad Strategy: Transfer remaining panzanella to an airtight glass container, positioning ingredients in layers to minimize soggy bread. Consume within 24 hours for best taste and texture. Gently mix before serving to redistribute dressing and revive flavors.

Flavorful Variations to Refresh the Recipe

• Mediterranean Seafood Spin: Replace bread with grilled calamari or shrimp, adding a protein-packed ocean-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to the classic panzanella.
• Roasted Vegetable Remix: Swap grilled vegetables with oven-roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a smoky indoor alternative when outdoor grilling isn't possible.
• Herb Garden Harvest: Incorporate additional fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley to create a more complex herbal profile that elevates the salad's aromatic qualities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty, tangy dimension that introduces heat and extra texture to the traditional recipe.

Grilled Panzanella Recap

Grilled Panzanella emerges as Mediterranean charm on plate, showcasing Ina Garten’s culinary mastery.

Summer’s bounty finds perfect expression through charred vegetables and crisp bread kissed by flame.

Rustic Italian traditions dance alongside fresh ingredients, creating harmonious flavor symphonies.

Each forkful whispers stories of outdoor kitchens and sun-drenched landscapes.

Seasonal vegetables shine brilliantly when kissed by grill’s passionate embrace.

Dive into this masterpiece – you’ll savor complexity, share excitement, comment passionately, and spread delicious inspiration across social platforms.

Ina Garten Grilled Panzanella Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s grilled panzanella brings Italian countryside charm to summer tables with rustic bread and fresh vegetables. Charred edges, zesty vinaigrette, and garden-ripe ingredients create a Mediterranean masterpiece that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 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

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 10 large basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• Good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Ignite the charcoal grill, allowing the coals to reach optimal heat intensity. Carefully coat the grilling rack with extra virgin olive oil to ensure smooth food release.
2. Craft the vinaigrette by whisking together finely minced garlic, robust Dijon mustard, tangy red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Set the vibrant dressing aside.
3. In a spacious ceramic bowl, combine thinly sliced cucumber, freshly diced roma tomatoes, delicately torn fresh basil leaves, and briny capers. Sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, then gently toss to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Prepare the vegetable medley by brushing red and yellow bell pepper slices and sweet red onion rings with extra virgin olive oil. Position the vegetables on the hot grill grate, cooking for approximately 4 minutes on each side until they develop beautiful char marks and become slightly tender.
5. Transfer the grilled vegetables to a wooden cutting board. Slice the peppers into elegant 1/2-inch strips and separate the onion rings. Incorporate these warm, smoky vegetables into the waiting cucumber mixture.
6. Brush artisan bread slices generously with extra virgin olive oil. Grill the bread until it transforms into crispy, golden-brown perfection, creating a delightful crunch on both surfaces. Carefully add the toasted bread to the vegetable medley.
7. Drizzle the reserved zesty vinaigrette over the grilled vegetables and toasted bread. Delicately toss the ingredients, ensuring each morsel is coated with the aromatic dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Preparation matters most when creating this vibrant summer dish, ensuring each ingredient shines with maximum flavor potential.
• Selecting fresh, seasonal vegetables guarantees a crisp and delightful texture that elevates the entire salad experience.
• Temperature control during grilling transforms ordinary ingredients into caramelized, smoky delights that dance on your palate.
• Bread quality significantly impacts the overall taste, so choose a sturdy artisan loaf that can withstand grilling without falling apart.
• Serving immediately after mixing preserves the perfect balance of warmth, crunch, and fresh vegetable brightness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg