If you are looking for a simple and satisfying summer meal that you can make on the grill, look no further than this grilled Tuscan bread salad. It features colorful grilled bell peppers, sweet onion and crusty bread, tossed with white beans, artichoke hearts and fresh basil in a tangy white balsamic dressing. It’s vegan-friendly, but you can also add some cheese and olives for extra flavor and richness.
This salad is inspired by the traditional Italian panzanella, which is a way of using up stale bread by soaking it in tomato juice and dressing. In this version, we grill the bread to give it a smoky and crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender vegetables and beans. The dressing is made with white balsamic vinegar, which has a milder and sweeter taste than regular balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. It adds a bright and refreshing touch to the salad.
You can use any kind of rustic bread for this salad, such as sourdough, country white or multi-grain. Day-old bread works best, as it will hold its shape better on the grill. You can also use any kind of bell peppers you like, or mix and match different colors for a more vibrant presentation.
How to make grilled Tuscan bread salad
- Cut the bread into 1-inch thick slices. If your bread is already sliced, that’s fine too. Just watch it closely on the grill so it doesn’t burn.
- Cut the peppers into 4 pieces each, trying to maximize the flat surface area for grilling.
- Preheat the grill. Brush the bread and peppers with oil and salt. Grill them over high heat until they are lightly charred, but still have some crunch. Set them aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
- In a large salad bowl, add the drained beans, artichoke hearts and dressing. Tear in some basil leaves.
- Tear or cut the grilled bread into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad. Toss everything well to combine.
- Serve immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
What to serve with grilled Tuscan bread salad
This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can also pair it with your favorite grilled protein for a more substantial dinner. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled scallops with tomato vinaigrette
- Grilled branzino (Mediterranean sea bass)
- Grilled lemon-herb chicken
- Grilled eggplant steaks with gremolata and tomatoes
Enjoy this delicious grilled Tuscan bread salad and celebrate the flavors of summer!
