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Cherry and Peach Panzanella

Cherry and Peach Panzanella

Imagine a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - welcome to the world of Cherry and Peach Panzanella! This Italian-inspired dish transforms humble day-old bread into a vibrant, refreshing salad that's bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for those scorching summer days when you want something light yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe will transport you straight to the sun-drenched orchards of Italy with its gorgeous medley of ripe cherries, juicy peaches, and crisp bread soaked in a luscious balsamic dressing.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups cubed day-old bread
  2. 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
  3. 2 peaches, sliced
  4. 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  5. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  6. 1/4 cup olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the ingredients. Cube the day-old bread into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform for even distribution in the salad.
  2. Next, pit and halve the cherries. If you haven't done so already, wash them thoroughly under running water before pitting.
  3. Wash the peaches, then slice them into wedges or thin slices, discarding the pit. You may choose to peel the peaches if desired, but the skin adds color and texture to the dish.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion. You can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their sharpness if preferred.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, halved cherries, sliced peaches, and red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to evenly distribute them.
  6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
  7. Pour the dressing over the bread and fruit mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring the bread absorbs the flavors.
  8. Let the panzanella sit for about 5 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the dressing and the flavors to meld together.
  9. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as desired.
  10. Serve the Cherry and Peach Panzanella immediately as a refreshing summer salad, or chill it slightly in the refrigerator for a cooler dish.

Tips

  1. Bread Selection Matters: Always use day-old bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the dressing more effectively and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
  2. Cherry and Peach Prep: Choose ripe but firm fruits for the best flavor and texture. Wash thoroughly and remove pits carefully to maintain the salad's aesthetic appeal.
  3. Dressing Technique: Whisk the balsamic vinegar and olive oil thoroughly to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
  4. Timing is Key: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the bread to soak up the flavors, but don't let it sit too long to maintain some bread crispness.
  5. Optional Enhancements: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra layer of flavor, or sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese for a creamy contrast.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 280kcal

Carbohydrates: 35g

Protein: 6g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 0mg

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