Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad: Your Essential Summer Side Dish

Say hello to summer on a plate! This vibrant Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad is the epitome of fresh, seasonal eating. Imagine juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet charred corn, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and crisp, homemade croutons all tossed together in a delightful vinaigrette. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Tuscan garden.

The Magic of Farmer’s Markets: Sourcing Your Salad Stars

Let’s talk farmer’s markets – truly one of the greatest joys of summer! Where are your favorite ones, and what treasures do you love to bring home? For me, a trip to the local market is more than just grocery shopping; it’s an experience, a chance to connect with local growers, and the secret to unlocking unparalleled freshness in my cooking.

Confession time: I’m often a bit of a slacker when it comes to early-morning market visits. It was only two Sundays ago that I finally made it to a farmer’s market this summer. But when a recipe like this Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad calls, where the quality of each ingredient directly impacts the final deliciousness, there’s no better place to be than surrounded by nature’s bounty. You simply can’t beat the freshness you find there, short of owning your own garden. I even splurged on some incredible artisanal bread, destined to become the best croutons imaginable.

I’ve realized how particular I am about my farmer’s market experiences over the years. I’ve encountered some “doozies” – those markets with only a handful of tents, and perhaps just one or two actually selling fresh produce. While I appreciate homemade sauces and jams, my mission is always to find the raw, beautiful ingredients to create my own culinary masterpieces. If you happen to be in Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill remains my absolute favorite. Market Square is also fantastic, but its weekday schedule often conflicts with my availability.

As soon as you return from your market haul, brimming with fresh finds, the one recipe you absolutely MUST make is this Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad. It’s a classic Tuscan salad, famously combining hearty bread and vibrant tomatoes, elevated here with the sweet crunch of grilled corn.

A farmer’s market is a treasure trove for most of the ingredients you’ll need: plump, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, sweet corn on the cob, crisp red onion, and that essential loaf of rustic bread. If you’re particularly fortunate, you might even discover a cheese vendor offering exquisitely fresh mozzarella, a true game-changer for this dish.

This salad is also your ideal companion for those scorching summer days when the last thing you want to do is fire up the stove for a heavy meal. When the heat saps your appetite but you know you need to eat, a fresh, cold, and invigorating salad is exactly what the doctor ordered. (And perhaps it helps balance out all the ice cream I tend to consume during these hot months!).

Panzanella: A Salad for Non-Salad Lovers

You might recall when I posted my Really Good Freekeh Salad and admitted my general disinterest in salads. Well, Panzanella is another glorious exception to my usual rule! I first fell head over heels for this unique salad during my culinary school days. What’s not to love? It’s essentially a celebration of bread and tomatoes, with not a single leaf of lettuce in sight. Now that’s a salad I can wholeheartedly get behind!

Of course, when I completed my salad course, it was the dead of January, meaning prime tomato season was a distant dream. I vividly remember promising myself that once summer rolled around, I would dive into the world of heirloom tomatoes and make this glorious salad every single day. Fast forward to now, and it’s almost August, and I’ve only indulged in it twice! What is wrong with me?! It’s time to rectify this culinary oversight immediately!

The Unparalleled Flavor of Heirloom Tomatoes

I often rave about the incredible qualities of heirloom tomatoes, particularly in my homemade tomato soup recipe. But for the uninitiated, the “too long; didn’t read” summary is this: heirloom tomatoes possess an intense, complex tomato flavor that simply cannot be matched by other varieties. They taste like what a tomato should taste like – deeply sweet, subtly tangy, and bursting with sunshine. You can even find adorable baby heirlooms, which are perfect for this salad and add a delightful visual appeal.

If you’re unable to find (or justify the cost of) heirloom tomatoes, don’t fret! The crucial thing is to select the freshest, tastiest tomatoes you can get your hands on. Quality is an absolute non-negotiable for this salad. There’s nothing quite as disheartening as biting into a mushy, tasteless tomato when you’re expecting a burst of summer flavor.

Perfectly Charred Corn: Grilling & Alternatives

The grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness and a wonderful textural contrast that truly elevates this Panzanella salad. Don’t have an outdoor grill? No problem at all! You can still achieve that delicious charred flavor. Simply cook the corn however you prefer. A grill pan indoors works beautifully, giving you those distinct grill marks and caramelized notes. Alternatively, you can sauté the kernels in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they begin to char slightly. The key is to get some browning and a hint of smoky flavor, which enhances the overall profile of the dish.

Crafting the Perfect Croutons: The Foundation of Panzanella

One of the defining elements of any great Panzanella is the bread. And for this Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad, homemade croutons are paramount. Forget those dry, store-bought cubes; making your own is incredibly simple and yields a far superior result. Start with a good quality rustic bread – something with a sturdy crust and a tender crumb. Day-old bread is ideal as it soaks up the olive oil and bakes to a perfect crispness without becoming too dense.

Cubes of rustic bread are tossed with a generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, then baked until golden brown and wonderfully crisp. These aren’t just an afterthought; they’re integral. They provide that delightful crunch when first mixed in, and then, as they sit in the vinaigrette, they soften slightly, absorbing all the delicious flavors without becoming soggy. It’s this textural evolution that makes Panzanella so captivating.

Assembling Your Summer Masterpiece

Once your ingredients are prepped – the corn charred and cooled, the tomatoes and onion sliced, the mozzarella drained, basil chopped, and croutons crisp – it’s time to bring it all together. A simple yet flavorful vinaigrette made with the remaining extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and sea salt forms the dressing. This classic combination perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes and the richness of the mozzarella.

In a large bowl, combine the vibrant tomatoes, crisp red onion, creamy mozzarella ciliegine (those charming cherry-sized mozzarella balls), the sweet charred corn kernels, and your freshly baked bread cubes. Pour over the homemade vinaigrette and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. While you can certainly serve this salad immediately for a crunchier bread experience, I highly recommend allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the bread to soak up all the incredible flavors of the vinaigrette and the juices from the tomatoes, transforming it into a truly unforgettable dish.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Summer Meal

This Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad is substantial enough to be a light meal on its own, especially on a hot day. However, it also makes an absolutely phenomenal side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of summer favorites. Consider serving it alongside a savory Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, juicy Pesto Burgers, or even a comforting dish like Pesto Mac and Cheese for a truly complete and satisfying meal. The fresh, bright flavors of the salad offer a perfect counterpoint to richer main courses.

Got leftover rustic bread? Don’t let it go to waste! Transform it into a delightful breakfast or brunch with my French Toast Casserole For Two!

Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups 1-inch cubed rustic bread
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 large ear corn, shucked
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 large heirloom tomato, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 4 ounces mozzarella ciliegine (cherry-sized mozzarella balls), drained and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Have a baking sheet ready.

   If it’s too hot for the oven, you can use the stove top.

2. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Spread into a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Cool completely.

   If you’re cooking on the stove, heat a large skillet. Once hot, add the bread and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-5 minutes total. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.

3. Meanwhile prepare an outdoor grill for high, direct heat. Add the corn, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, turn, and cook 5 more minutes. Repeat turning at 5-minute intervals until kernels are charred, 15-20 minutes total. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Once cool enough to handle, remove kernels from the cob.
4. Whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt.
5. In a large bowl combine the tomato, onion, mozzarella, basil, corn kernels, and bread cubes. Toss with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately or allow to sit for 30 minutes for the bread to soak up the vinaigrette.

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Embrace the Summer Flavors

This Grilled Corn Panzanella Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the vibrant bounty of summer. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity, freshness, and incredible flavor, proving that sometimes, the best meals are made from the highest quality ingredients, simply prepared. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, looking for a light weeknight dinner, or simply craving a taste of the season, this Panzanella will quickly become a cherished favorite.

So, head to your local farmer’s market, pick out the most beautiful heirloom tomatoes you can find, grab a fresh ear of corn, and don’t forget that rustic loaf of bread. Your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy every single bite of this quintessential summer salad!