Watermelon Panzanella
Bright, refreshing, and packed with vibrant summer flavors, this Watermelon Panzanella is a dazzling twist on the classic Italian bread salad. Combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and day-old ciabatta bread toasted to golden perfection, this dish is a delightful balance of textures and tastes. A tangy balsamic-honey vinaigrette ties everything together, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note. For an extra layer of creaminess, crumbly feta cheese makes the perfect topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is ideal for hot days, making it a show-stopping side dish or a light, satisfying main course. Perfect for summer gatherings or picnics, this unique watermelon panzanella recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful seasonal dish with a refreshing twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon
- 4 cups ciabatta bread (day-old, cubed)
- 1 cup cucumber (seeded, diced)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 0.5 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup basil leaves (fresh, torn)
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 0.5 cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the cubed ciabatta bread evenly on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
Place the cubed watermelon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and toasted bread into a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the watermelon and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Add the torn basil leaves to the salad and gently toss again.
If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the bread to soak up some of the dressing and juices.
Serve immediately as a light main course or as a side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3734 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 120.1 g | 154% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 6690 mg | 291% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 560.5 g | 204% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.1 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 84.0 g | ||
| Protein | 112.2 g | 224% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1195 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 27.5 mg | 153% | |
| Potassium | 2911 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
