Watermelon Panzanella Salad

Enjoy a refreshing Watermelon Panzanella Salad with juicy watermelon, crispy bread, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for summer gatherings!

Watermelon Panzanella Salad is a refreshing and delightful dish that combines the sweetness of juicy watermelon with the heartiness of crusty bread, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or an everyday meal.

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare;

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare; it primarily consists of fresh ingredients like ripe watermelon, crisp cucumbers, red onions, and fragrant basil, all tossed together with chunks of toasted bread.

The balance of flavors and textures is what makes this salad shine;

The assembly takes just minutes—simply chop your ingredients, mix them, and drizzle with a light vinaigrette. The balance of flavors and textures is what makes this salad shine; the sweetness of the watermelon contrasts beautifully with the savory bread and crunchy veggies, creating a symphony of taste that’s appealing to all ages.

Watermelon Panzanella Salad is its broad appeal, especially among kids

One of the standout features of Watermelon Panzanella Salad is its broad appeal, especially among kids. The sweet, succulent watermelon is often a favorite among children, and when paired with the crispy bread and colorful vegetables, it becomes an engaging and fun dish that they’ll enjoy eating. Additionally, the vibrant colors and unique combination of flavors can make salad time more exciting for younger palates.

A wonderful way to introduce children to more nutritious foods without overwhelming them.

This salad is not only a hit on taste but also a wonderful way to introduce children to more nutritious foods without overwhelming them. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit their tastes—try adding cheese or swapping out the veggies for ones they prefer. Overall, Watermelon Panzanella Salad is not just a dish; it’s an enjoyable way to eat healthy while bringing everyone to the table, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire.

A delightful twist on the classic Italian panzanella salad

This heartily satisfying yet refreshingly light summer dish presents a delightful twist on the classic Italian panzanella salad. The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon with seasoned bread and crisp vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that is ideal for warm days.

Consider cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes

To streamline your preparation time and make the cooking process even more efficient, consider cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes instead of using a mini melon baller. While the latter technique can yield beautifully shaped spheres, cubing the watermelon not only saves you time but also allows for easier mixing with the other ingredients.

These bite-sized pieces will still provide that delightful burst of sweetness in every mouthful, making it a fun and accessible option for family gatherings or casual summer picnics. Embrace the simplicity of this method while still delivering a visually appealing and deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy!

Prep time: 20 minutes (+ time to salt the tomatoes)
Cook time: 4 minutes (+ time to pre-heat air fryer)
Serves 4

Salad Ingredients:

½ medium red onion, sliced thin
¼ c. orange juice
1 lb. Campari tomatoes, quartered
2-½ t. sea salt, divided
½ t. onion powder
½ t. garlic powder
½ t. Italian seasoning
¼ t. black pepper
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
8 oz. Ciabatta or other crusty Italian bread, sliced ¾” thick
4 c. seedless watermelon, balled or cubed
½ medium cucumber, seeds removed and cut in half lengthwise and sliced
3 T. fresh basil, rinsed and patted dry, julienned
3 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled, divided

Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:

¼ c. orange-tomato juice from salted tomatoes
2 T. white balsamic vinegar
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 T. honey, preferably local
½ t. seasoning mixture (leftover from toasting the bread, details below)
1 t. Dijon mustard

Directions

Place the sliced red onion in a large bowl. Pour the orange juice on top and toss to combine, ensuring the onion in submerged in the juice.

Place a metal colander over the bowl. Add the tomatoes to the colander and sprinkle with two teaspoons sea salt. Gently toss to combine and set aside for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, remaining sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Pre-heat air fryer to 400°F and set the cook time to 4 minutes.

While the air fryer is heating, brush the bread slices with the olive oil and sprinkle each side with the seasoning mixture from Step 3.

Tip: Reserve one-half teaspoon of the seasoning mixture for the vinaigrette.

When ready, add the bread slices to the air fryer basket and close the lid. Turn the bread after 2 minutes to evenly brown on both sides.

Note: Cook time will vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, so check the bread while flipping, and adjust final cook time accordingly.

After 30 minutes, remove the colander from the large bowl and carefully drain the liquid in the bowl to use in the vinaigrette. Place the salted tomatoes and softened red onion in a large bowl and set aside.

Prepare the vinaigrette by combining one-quarter cup of the reserved orange-tomato juice with the remaining vinaigrette ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously to combine. Set aside.

Add the balled or cubed watermelon, sliced cucumber, fresh basil, and two ounces crumbled Feta to the bowl with the seasoned tomatoes and red onion. Gently toss to combine and set aside.

To serve, tear or cut the toasted bread into bite-sized pieces and add to the salad bowl. Drizzle some of the vinaigrette on top and toss to combine. Transfer to a large serving bowl or platter. Top with the remaining Feta cheese and serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips and Variations for Making Watermelon Panzanella Salad

Helpful Tips:

1. Choose Ripe Watermelon: For the best flavor, select a ripe watermelon. Look for a firm, symmetrical shape with a creamy yellow spot on one side, indicating it's ripe and sweet.
2. Toast the Bread Properly: Use day-old bread to achieve the perfect texture. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast it until it's crispy but not hard, ensuring it soaks in the dressing without becoming soggy.
3. Prep Ingredients Ahead: To save time, prepare your ingredients in advance. Chop the watermelon, cucumbers, and onions and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to retain freshness.
4. Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the salad crisp, add the vinaigrette right before serving. This prevents the bread from soaking up too much dressing and becoming mushy.
5. Season Generously: Don’t forget to season your salad well with salt and pepper. A touch of seasoning enhances the flavors of the vegetables and watermelon, bringing the dish to life.

Variations:

1. Add Cheese: For a creamy and savory twist, incorporate crumbled feta or mozzarella to the salad. It complements the sweetness of the watermelon beautifully.
2. Herb Variations: While basil is traditional, you can experiment with other fresh herbs such as mint or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Each herb offers a unique taste that pairs well with watermelon.
3. Vinegar Options: Swap out the usual red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a richer, deeper flavor. This adds a sweet tang that enhances the overall dish.
4. Extra Crunch: Add toasted nuts such as walnuts or almonds for additional texture. This creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the juicy watermelon and soft bread.
5. Incorporate Other Fruits: Mix in additional fruits like peaches, strawberries, or citrus segments for a refreshing twist. This adds variety and enhances the salad's sweetness.
6. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, incorporate thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up.
7. Grilled Version: Elevate the salad by grilling the watermelon and bread. Grilling enhances the flavors and adds a subtle smokiness that makes the dish even more delicious.

These tips and variations will help you create a fantastic Watermelon Panzanella Salad that is not only easy to make but also adaptable to suit any taste preference!Regenerate Response

Print