Grilled Baguette Panzanella Salad

A Perfect Blend of Crunch and Flavor!

Panzanella salad has long been cherished for its rustic charm and vibrant Mediterranean flavours. Traditionally, it combines stale bread, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette to create a harmonious symphony of taste and texture. But we've taken it to the next level by introducing the element of grilling, infusing this beloved salad with a smoky depth that will leave you craving for more.

PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes

COOKING TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your salad experience? Look no further than our Air Fryer Grilled Panzanella Baguette Salad! This unique twist on the classic Italian dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With the magic of the air fryer, we've reinvented the traditional Panzanella salad, infusing it with an irresistible crispy texture and a burst of flavours that will make your mouth water.

Let's dive into the details of this extraordinary recipe that will undoubtedly become the centerpiece of your dining table.

INGREDIENTS

For the Grilled Croutons:

1 Baguette

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For the Salad:

1 English or Persian cucumber

1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar

1/4 cup of pitted olives

8 ounces of grape tomatoes

1/8 cup of diced red onions

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

DIRECTIONS

Let's begin by making the bread croutons. Take a fresh baguette and cut it in half. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, and then sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned bread in the air fryer basket and set the timer for 4-5 minutes. Watch as the bread transforms into perfectly toasted croutons with a delightful crunch.

While the bread is toasting, let's prepare the vinaigrette. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. The combination of these ingredients will create a harmonious blend of tanginess and aromatic goodness.

Once the bread is done, allow it to cool for a moment. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the baguette into 1-inch pieces. The golden-brown croutons are now ready to elevate your salad to new heights.

It's time to prepare the fresh ingredients that will accompany the croutons. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the olives, red onions, and grape tomatoes in half, adding a burst of color and freshness to the salad.

In a large mixing dish, combine the sliced bread, grape tomatoes, olives, red onions, and diced cucumber. Now, drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the mixture, ensuring that every ingredient is coated with its tangy embrace.

Once all the elements are combined, gently toss the salad to ensure an even distribution of flavours. Witness how the air-fried croutons absorb the vibrant dressing, enhancing their texture while maintaining their enticing crunch.

Now, it's time to plate up this masterpiece. Arrange the Air Fryer Grilled Panzanella Salad on a serving dish, allowing the colours and textures to shine. The vibrant reds, greens, and golden browns will captivate your guests' attention, igniting their anticipation for the feast that awaits them.

Serve the salad immediately, and let the incredible flavours take center stage. Indulge in the crispiness of the air-fried croutons, the juiciness of the grape tomatoes, the refreshing crunch of the cucumber, and the tanginess of the vinaigrette.