Country Panzanella Salad
Country Panzanella Salad
Background: This salad is one of our favorites in the peak of summer when ripe garden tomatoes, watermelon, and cucumber come to bless our tables. The amounts of the ingredients are optional so change them how you like. Pair with our Graziano Carignane Rosé!
Ingredients:
Dressing:
½ pound piece of skinless watermelon, seeds discarded
1 tsp. Kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
½ tsp. red-pepper flakes
½ tsp. ground black pepper
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
½ cup olive oil
Salad:
½ loaf day-old sourdough bread, cut into ½ -inch cubes (about 4 loose cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
2 pounds watermelon, rind discarded cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 packed cups)
3 medium heirloom tomatoes (about 2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium seedless cucumber (about 1/2 pound), trimmed, cut into ½ inch cubes or slices
1 small red onion (about 4 ounces), peeled and sliced (about 1 loose cup)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
½ cup crumbled feta
Method:
Make the dressing: Using a coarse grater set over a medium bowl, grate the watermelon. Add the salt, garlic, mustard, thyme leaves, red-pepper flakes, black pepper, vinegar, and oil. Whisk together (or transfer to a mason jar, cover, and shake vigorously). The dressing makes 2 cups, and will keep, refrigerated, up to 1 week; shake before use.
Make the salad: For the croutons, heat oven to 425°F degrees. On a small sheet pan, toss the cubed bread, olive oil, thyme and salt together. Spread in a single layer and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until toasted and golden brown.
In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drain any excess liquid before adding the toasted croutons and half the basil. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of the dressing and season with salt and pepper. Divide among individual bowls, if you like. Top with crumbled feta, remaining basil leaves, and spoon additional dressing over the top.
