With the 4th of July behind us that means summer is in full swing and ...gulp ...one-third over. How did that happen? Before we blink and summer is gone, I thought I'd share one of my favorite light and fresh recipes that manages to maintain a high yum factor.
This is a fun twist on the traditional Italian panzanella salad and makes good use of those tomatoes and cucumbers starting to ripen in gardens. Plus with the unique twist of using cornbread I can sneak it in as a contribution to Mellow Yellow Monday.
Here it is. Beside being quite good, it's also very easy to make.
Cornbread Panzanella Salad
8 ounces cornbread, cut into cubes (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (or cubed larger tomatoes)
1/2 cup cubed Fontina cheese
1/2 cup cubed cucumber
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately
NOTE: I make one package of cornbread mix and that’s enough to serve 4-6 people as a side dish. Don’t add oil and lemon juice until ready to serve. Also, I use more than a ½ cup of tomatoes. You can add and subtract quantities to personal taste.
The lemon juice combined with the sweet cornbread and the creamy cheese comes together for a distinctive taste combination. The spicy basil and refreshing cucumbers brighten the flavor.
Unfortunately I cannot take credit for creating this recipe. I came across it one day as I pounded on the treadmill watching the Food Network. It's originator is Giada, the lovely woman with the beautiful smile. Or as my friend Riccardo refers to her, "The one with the cleavage."
Buon appetito.
Photo courtesy of Food Network.
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21 comments:
ohh that looks delicious! Great shot!
Yum! There are but a few dishes in our house that are made by The Boy, cornbread being one of them (his cornbread is great!). I'm not usually a fan of leftover cornbread, but this looks like a fabulous recipe for leftovers.
Please note:
Unlike traditional panzanella which can be made with stale bread, I think fresh cornbread works better in this recipe.
Yum, I will try this. I love cornbread!
My Mellow Yellow Monday - Goes to Philly
Well this sounds yummy. I'll have to give it a try.
We've had such horrible weather here with cold, grey skies and plenty of rain. I'm ready for a little summer heat, but I'm beginning to doubt it'll happen.
Ever the optimist, I went car shopping for a hybrid SUV so I don't get stuck in the snow this winter.
looks wonderful and easy to make
I'm hungry!!!! Nice post mellow yellow..
Happy Monday
Lots of luv,
Ita
That looks delicious. I've just been experimenting with panzanella made with brown rice instead of bread as I generally avoid wheat. The cornbread is a great idea. Thanks.
That really does look good. I used corn this week as well.
Yum! I love that you combine MYM with a great recipe! Starting my shopping list now!
This looks good, unlike a panzanella nightmare monstrosity that Michael Chiarello made the other day with strawberries that seemed like it would be too tart.
This just might be the ticket to getting my hubby to eat salad...lure him with cornbread! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
YUM!!! i cannot wait to make this! i will be gobbling it up like mad. CORNBREAD! yum! oh, this one sounds gooooooooooooooooooooooooooood!
Thank you! It looks wonderful.
i have to try this version. It sounds so patriotic during July.
It really looks yummy. And healthy too! I like anything with tomatoes and cheese...:)
Oh, Py - looks so good I could eat the picture. i always get hungry late at night and so should get myself to bed. YEs, surely I will try this recipe and Yes! I see what you mean about the addictiveness of blingee! It really "pops" your pictures!
BTW, I'm reading a book by Frank Bruni about growing up in an Italian household and all the cooks in his family and despite his battle with weight, he eventually gets appointed a food critic! I am reviewing it for SAUCE magazine and will tell you more there, but you would so enjoy it - lots of humor, excellent writing and some good creative non-fiction...nope, not reading it before I fall asleep or I will REALLY want something to eat.
Ciao for now!
I'm cutting this out right now. Salads are my favorite. I like that you were watching food shows while on the treadmill. I think of food while running. ☺
LOOKS and SOUNDS very very YUMMY - a must do for sure - thanks for sharing - jenean
Yum! Thank you for sharing this. I am definitely going to try this.
Py, don't forget - you're going to tell me about being "media escort" for Ms. Bushnell. Do tell! (you have my email, right?) I'm probably going to stop reading her as a result, though, right?
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