My salad is ready for a picnic, unfortunately the weather here in Minnesota isn’t quite perfect. It’s a steam bath outside, with the heat index sky high. So instead of a picnic at the band shell with the sounds of the Pops Orchestra serenading our humble meal, we’ll be taking the food inside, where it’s nice and cool.
When I think summer there are some of my favorites that always come to mind: corn on the cob, watermelon, fresh tomatoes, and panzanella. That last one might have taken you by surprise but there is nothing I love more than panzanella salad with the freshest vegetables. It’s a great switch from the ordinary garden salad and there are so many ways to adapt it to your tastes.
My first encounter with Panzanella was a few years ago when I acquired Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Parties cookbook. This recipe spoke to me from the pages; I like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and basil. I love bread. This must be the salad for me! And it was. And in her new cookbook, How Easy is That, Ina switches it up and puts a spin on traditional Panzanella, turning it Greek with the addition of just a few ingredients.
This salad is about as humble and rustic as you can get, but believe me, the taste is anything but humble. It’s delicious!
Here’s a link to the recipe!
This looks fabulous...can't wait to make it for our next small group gathering!
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to make panzanella ever since I had it at your house years ago (probably sometime around the time you guys got married?) I remember loving it! This post was a good reminder - I am going to attempt to make it sometime soon! :)
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