Gluten Free Panzanella Salad

For a healthy, Italian dish any night of the week, check out this gluten free panzanella salad!

A few years ago, I taught cooking classes. One of the most popular was a Date Night class, where couples would come to prepare and enjoy a meal together. Each class would feature dishes from a particular region. There weren't any major flops, but Italy was always a huge hit!

True panzanella is a salad featuring soaked stale bread, often with onions and tomatoes. Especially with gluten free bread, I prefer to add the bread shortly before serving. Also, some versions have a much higher bread to veggie ratio. I like salads to be made of mostly vegetables. Simply add some chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Salads make a terrific lunch or dinner anytime of the year. But, they just seem so much better in the summer! A crisp and cool dish that doesn't require the oven, stove, or even the grill. Yes, please!

Summer is also the perfect time to add more plant-based dishes to your diet! Visit a farmer's market or grow your own and get inspired!

fresh italian summer salad

Ingredients for Gluten Free Panzanella Salad

  • Gluten Free Rolls or Bread
  • Olive Oil
  • Bell Peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Tomatoes
  • Lemons
  • Orange Juice
  • Garlic
  • Dried Oregano
  • Fresh Basil

Add some chicken or fish for protein!

What pairs well with panzanella?

Grilled meats would be at the top of the list- steak, chicken, fish, shrimp. If you're vegetarian or simply trying to increase your veggie intake, a larger portion can easily become a meal.

Italian panzanella salad with gluten free bread

Gluten Free Panzanella Salad

For a healthy, Italian dish any night of the week, check out this gluten free panzanella salad!

Prep:
10
min
cook:
10
min
total:
25
min
Author:

Ingredients
  • Olive oil
  • 2 - 3 gluten free rolls or ciabatta
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil, chopped

Dressing

  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. orange juice
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. If desired, lightly sauté the peppers and zucchini, for 3-5 minutes with 2-3 Tbsp. of olive oil. You can also use raw veggies. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Brush the bread with olive oil. Then, cut into chunks and low broil for 4-5 minutes, until browned.
  3. Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl, add the peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Stir until combined,
  4. In a mason jar or small bowl, shake or whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, orange juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss until coated. I like to add the bread cubes shortly before serving, otherwise they will become too soggy. Garnish with chopped basil.

Comment

Did you love this? Let us know!

Name
Email
Message
Thanks for contributing to our community! Your comment will appear shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.