When I need a light dish that makes the whole house smell amazing, I turn to this colorful Giada Grilled Panzanella Salad. The ingredients—like heirloom tomatoes and scallions—blend together so beautifully, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

It’s ideal for lunch, and it only takes about 40 minutes to prepare. I love how it’s easy to make but still feels like such a treat. It’s always a hit, and there’s enough to feed 6-8 people.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Grilled Bread

• 6 (1½-inch-thick) slices rustic wheat bread

For the Grilled Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 2 Italian eggplants, halved lengthwise
• 2 small fennel bulbs, halved lengthwise and cored
• 4 medium heirloom tomatoes, halved
• 2 large scallions, trimmed

For the Dressing

• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup chopped fresh basil leaves (about 1 bunch)
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar

How To Make Giada Grilled Panzanella Salad

Grill the Bread

1. Grill the Bread: Throw the bread slices onto the grill (not too high heat) for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want some nice grill marks to add some crunch.

Grill the Vegetables

1. Toss with Oil and Season: Toss the veggies with ½ cup of the olive oil, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. We don’t want any bland veggies here.

Assemble and Serve

1. Chop and Mix: Once the bread and veggies are cool enough to handle, cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and the veggies into ¾-inch pieces. Add them to a large bowl along with the chopped basil and toss to combine.
2. Dress and Serve: Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the white balsamic vinegar. Season with salt if needed. Serve immediately, because fresh is best.

Recipe Tips

• Alternative Grains: Try replacing the Ciabatta bread with rustic whole-grain bread or even gluten-free crackers to add texture and cater to different dietary needs without compromising the dish’s integrity.
• Flavor Enhancement: Take your Panzanella to the next level by adding a handful of freshly chopped basil, a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze, or a squeeze of zesty lemon juice to elevate the flavors and create a beautiful presentation.
• Protein Addition: Adding grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or marinated tofu cubes to this salad turns it into a satisfying main course, making it perfect for a summer dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
• Make-Ahead Success: For a stress-free dinner gathering, prep the salad components, including the grilled bread and the vinaigrette, ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until the day of the event to ensure a fast and flawless assembly.
• Summer Variations: Swap out the cherry tomatoes for heirloom tomatoes or sliced peaches to create a refreshing summer twist on this Italian classic, perfect for a seasonal potluck or backyard barbecue.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Champagne And Caviar Linguine
• Giada Chicken Francese
• Giada Roasted Squash Agrodolce