Description
A flavorful summer salad featuring fresh vegetables, grilled bread, Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and a homemade pesto vinaigrette. This Basil Pesto Panzanella is a delicious way to enjoy garden-fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 cups crusty bread cubes
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounces pre-cooked Italian sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups cucumbers, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup basil, torn
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup golden balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons pesto
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes and salt; cook, stirring, 8-10 minutes until bread is golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
- To the same pan, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and sauté 4-6 minutes, stirring regularly, until browned on all sides. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and basil.
- Add toasted bread, sausage, Parmesan, and vinaigrette; toss to combine.
- Prepare pesto vinaigrette by combining ingredients in a small jar with a lid and shaking well.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over salad as desired.
Notes
- Use high quality artisan bread for the best results. Ensure the bread is crispy.
- Chop ingredients into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Be generous with the Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preference.
- Leftover panzanella can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 701 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg