Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - where smoky grilled vegetables, tender chicken, and crispy bread dance together in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to an Italian countryside. This isn't just another salad; this is a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will make your taste buds sing with joy and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of rustic bread
- 2 cups grilled summer vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F.
- Brush bread slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cut summer vegetables into uniform 1/2-inch thick slices. Toss vegetables with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side until they have distinct grill marks and are tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Grill bread slices for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and golden with light char marks. Remove and let cool.
- Chop grilled vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Tear or cut grilled bread into rustic chunks.
- In a large bowl, combine grilled vegetables, shredded chicken, and bread chunks.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the mixture, tossing gently to combine.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a light summer meal.
Tips
- Choose high-quality rustic bread like ciabatta or sourdough for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Ensure your grill is at the right temperature (400-450°F) to get perfect char marks without burning.
- Cut vegetables into uniform thickness to guarantee even grilling.
- Let grilled vegetables cool slightly before mixing to prevent bread from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil for maximum flavor.
- Don't overdress the salad - the balsamic should enhance, not overwhelm.
- Serve immediately or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
- For added complexity, consider adding some crumbled feta or mozzarella cheese.
- Fresh herbs are crucial - basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for different variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
