Description
This Sourdough Panzanella with Peaches and Burrata is a refreshing and vibrant summer salad featuring crispy toasted sourdough bread cubes, juicy ripe peaches, creamy burrata cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil. A simple but flavorful balsamic dressing ties together the sweet and savory elements, making it a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sourdough bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper and toss well to coat the bread evenly.
- Toast the bread: Bake the bread cubes for 10–15 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until they are crisp and golden brown on all sides.
- Make the dressing: While the bread is toasting, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the toasted sourdough bread cubes, sliced peaches, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves.
- Toss with dressing: Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs some of the dressing and flavors meld.
- Serve with burrata: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and place the burrata cheese ball in the center. Tear the burrata open slightly and drizzle with a little olive oil and some of the balsamic dressing for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad right away to maintain the crisp texture of the toasted bread and freshness of the ingredients.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape in the salad without becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, grill the peach slices briefly before adding them to the salad to add smoky caramelized notes.
- Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable.
- Add thin slices of prosciutto for a savory, meaty variation of this salad.
- For best texture, assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the bread cubes crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
