Watermelon Panzanella

Bright, refreshing, and packed with vibrant summer flavors, this Watermelon Panzanella is a dazzling twist on the classic Italian bread salad. Combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and day-old ciabatta bread toasted to golden perfection, this dish is a delightful balance of textures and tastes. A tangy balsamic-honey vinaigrette ties everything together, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note. For an extra layer of creaminess, crumbly feta cheese makes the perfect topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is ideal for hot days, making it a show-stopping side dish or a light, satisfying main course. Perfect for summer gatherings or picnics, this unique watermelon panzanella recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful seasonal dish with a refreshing twist.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon
• 4 cups ciabatta bread (day-old, cubed)
• 1 cup cucumber (seeded, diced)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.5 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 0.25 cup basil leaves (fresh, torn)
• 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 0.5 cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Spread the cubed ciabatta bread evenly on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.

Step 3

Place the cubed watermelon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and toasted bread into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.

Step 5

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the watermelon and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 6

Add the torn basil leaves to the salad and gently toss again.

Step 7

If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess.

Step 8

Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the bread to soak up some of the dressing and juices.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a light main course or as a side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2418.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3733.6

Total Fat 120.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 6690.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 560.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.1g	0%
Total Sugars 84.0g
Protein 112.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1194.7mg	0%
Iron 27.5mg	0%
Potassium 2911.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.7%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 59.4%