Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Peach Panzanella Salad! It’s not just any salad; it’s a refreshing burst of summer in every bite! The combination of ripe, juicy peaches with crusty bread is simply divine. Honestly, there’s something magical about how the sweetness of the peaches plays off the savory crunch of the toasted bread. This salad is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something light yet satisfying. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or just as a stand-alone dish at a summer picnic. Trust me, the unique twist of adding those ripe peaches takes this panzanella to a whole new level. You’re going to want to make this one over and over again!

Ingredients for Peach Panzanella Salad

4 cups cubed crusty bread (day-old works best for that perfect crunch)
2 ripe peaches, diced (the riper, the sweeter!)
1 cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch)
1 red onion, thinly sliced (adds a lovely zing)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (don’t skip this for flavor!)
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for a touch of tang)
Salt and pepper to taste (just a sprinkle or two will do!)

How to Prepare Peach Panzanella Salad

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic begins!
Next, spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and toast it for about 10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it because nobody likes burnt bread!
While that’s toasting, grab a large bowl and combine the diced peaches, cucumber, red onion, and chopped basil. It’s a colorful mix that smells amazing already!
Once the bread is toasted, add it to your bowl of fresh ingredients. This is where the salad starts to come together beautifully.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until it’s well blended. This dressing is the secret sauce!
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. You want each piece to get that yummy flavor without squishing the peaches.
Finally, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all those flavors to meld together perfectly. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy summer days!
Fresh, vibrant flavors that scream summer with every bite.
Versatile enough to pair with grilled meats or to enjoy on its own.
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have.
Great for picnics, potlucks, or just a light dinner at home.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this delightful Peach Panzanella Salad is an estimated 250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option for any meal. You’ll get about 12 grams of fat, with only 1.5 grams of saturated fat, plus 6 grams of protein to keep you feeling full. It also packs in 32 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. Of course, these values can vary based on specific ingredients, but it’s a delicious way to enjoy wholesome goodness!

Tips for Success

Use day-old bread for the best texture—stale bread soaks up the dressing beautifully without getting mushy.
Choose ripe peaches that yield slightly to pressure for the sweetest flavor; they’ll make a world of difference!
Don’t rush the toasting process—golden brown is the goal, so keep an eye on the oven.
Feel free to play with the dressing! A splash of lemon juice can add a zesty twist.
Let the salad rest before serving; it’s the secret to letting those flavors truly shine.

Variations of Peach Panzanella Salad

Add berries: Toss in some fresh strawberries or blueberries for an extra pop of sweetness and color.
Try different herbs: Swap out basil for mint or cilantro for a refreshing twist.
Add cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can bring a creamy richness to the salad.
Include other veggies: Bell peppers or cherry tomatoes can add more crunch and flavor.
Make it heartier: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost to turn it into a full meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Peach Panzanella Salad shines as a side dish but can also be the star of the meal! Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light summer dinner that feels special. It also complements a glass of chilled rosé or a refreshing white wine beautifully. For a casual vibe, serve it alongside burgers or hot dogs at your next barbecue. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this salad in your rotation all summer long!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store your Peach Panzanella Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. Just keep in mind that the bread may get a bit soggy as it soaks up the dressing. I recommend enjoying it cold as is, but if you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat it in a skillet for a few minutes—just be careful not to overdo it! Enjoy every bite!

FAQ about Peach Panzanella Salad

Can I substitute other fruits? Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use nectarines or even plums. They’ll add a similar sweetness and juiciness.

What if I don’t have fresh basil? No worries! You can use dried basil, but if you have other fresh herbs like parsley or mint, they’ll work beautifully too.

How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for a small gathering or a family meal.

How fresh should the ingredients be? For the best flavor, use ripe peaches and crisp vegetables. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this salad!

Can I make this salad ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything crisp!

For more refreshing summer recipes, check out our Summer Corn Salad or Greek Pasta Salad. You can also learn about the health benefits of peaches here (rel=”nofollow”).

Peach Panzanella Salad: 7 Ways to Savor Summer’s Sweetness

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing peach panzanella salad with ripe peaches and crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cubed crusty bread
2 ripe peaches, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the peaches, cucumber, red onion, and basil.
Add the toasted bread to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best results.
Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: peach panzanella salad

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