Spiced Melon Panzanella Salad Recipe

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Spiced Melon Panzanella Salad Recipe

Panzanella is a Tuscan chopped salad typically made with stale bread, tomatoes and onion and is served mostly during the summer months. The toasted bread cubes sop up the beautiful tomato juices, olive oil and lemon which makes for one incredibly satisfying bite. Feel free to use any bread of your liking -Focaccia, Brioche and Dave’s Killer Bread (as you know, this is one of my favorite brands at Rollin’ Oats) are all wonderful options for your bread cubes.

Torn bread heading into the oven
Torn bread heading into the oven

One of the things I love most about this salad is that it has heft, while also remaining vibrant and fresh. Because of those characteristics, it’s a great salad for both a satisfying lunch/brunch entree or a bright pre-dinner appetizer. The combination of ingredients meshes extremely well together. Sweet and spicy Cantaloupe, fresh basil and mozzarella, crispy bread, savory prosciutto and a punch of citrus and olive oil – it’s extremely tough to go wrong.

 

The crispy prosciutto is optional; however, it does add lovely salty and crunchy notes. At Rollin’ Oats you’ll find a three ounce package of Niman Ranch All Natural Prosciutto (currently on sale for $4.99). In Florida, Cantaloupe is in season April – June, so it’s usually quite easy to find during that time frame. Though if you’re looking to make the recipe at a time when cantaloupe is not available just simply use any ripe and juicy tomatoes that you can get your hands on.

Spiced Melon Panzanella

Abby Allen-Leach
This salad has a split personality: it can pose as either a satisfying lunch or pre-dinner bite when served in smaller portions.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 938 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cantaloupe Cut into 1-2" cubes
  • 1/2 red onion Sliced into thin half moons
  • 8 oz mozzarella ball Torn into irregular 1" pieces
  • 2 cups bread Any will do, like Italian loaf, foccacia, Dave's Killer Bread, etc. - torn into 1" irregular cubes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 oz prosciutto Optional
  • 1 avocado Sliced into small wedges
  • 1/4 cup basil Roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 lemon Juiced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400F. Toss bread cubes in a large bowl with 1 tsp salt. Arrange in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes (you want bread cubes to be golden & crouton-like in texture). Remove from baking sheet and set aside.
    Cripsy bread cubes
  • In a large bowl toss melon cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, crushed red pepper, 1 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
    Spiced Cantaloupe
  • If using prosciutto, one slice at a time, place prosciutto slice between two paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds (or until crisp). Allow to cool and crumble in a small bowl. Repeat with remaining prosciutto slices.
    Crispy prosciutto
  • In a small bowl combine juice of one lemon and remaining oil, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
    Lemon Vinaigrette
  • When you're ready to serve your Panzanella salad, add all ingredients except sliced avocado to a large bowl.
    Melon Panzanella mise en place
  • Gently combine. Serve salad topped with avocado slices and more basil.
    Spiced Melon Panzanella
Nutrition Facts
Spiced Melon Panzanella
Amount Per Serving
Calories 938 Calories from Fat 549
% Daily Value*
Fat 61g94%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
Monounsaturated Fat 29g
Cholesterol 34mg11%
Sodium 1958mg85%
Potassium 755mg22%
Carbohydrates 77g26%
Fiber 11g46%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 28g56%
Vitamin A 4990IU100%
Vitamin C 36mg44%
Calcium 390mg39%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 938kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 28gFat: 61gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 1958mgPotassium: 755mgFiber: 11gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 4990IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 390mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Abby Allen Recipes, Panzanella Salad Recipes, Spiced Melon Panzanella
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