Summer Bliss: A Lighter Take on the BLT with Panzanella
Who says salads can't be exciting? This BLT Panzanella is a celebration of summer flavors, taking the classic BLT and transforming it into a vibrant, satisfying meal. Imagine golden-crispy bread, juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor, and the salty crunch of bacon all mingling together with fresh arugula and a light balsamic dressing. It's a delicious dance of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling happy and nourished.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a unique twist on a classic: We all love a good BLT, but this salad takes those flavors and elevates them with the addition of fried bread and fresh greens.
- It's packed with fresh ingredients: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the abundance of fresh produce, and this salad showcases it perfectly.
- It's quick and easy to make: With a little prep, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
- It's surprisingly healthy: While it does include bacon and fried bread, the salad is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber from the avocado, tomatoes, and arugula.
Ingredients for a Delicious BLT Panzanella
- Fresh Tomatoes: We're using cherry tomatoes, halved for their sweetness and juiciness.
- Aromatic Shallot: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness. You can also substitute with red onion or garlic.
- Crispy Bacon: Because, well, it's bacon! Fry it up until perfectly crispy.
- Golden Bread Cubes: Ciabatta bread, cut into cubes and fried in the bacon grease for extra flavor. Don't skip this step!
- Creamy Avocado: Adds healthy fats and a wonderful creamy texture.
- Fresh Arugula: A peppery green that adds a nice bite to the salad.
- Fragrant Basil: Fresh basil leaves, cut into strips for a summery touch.
- Simple Dressing: A drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper is all you need to let the flavors of the ingredients shine.
How to Make Your BLT Panzanella
- Prep the Tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced shallot with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate. Keep that glorious bacon grease in the pan!
- Fry the Bread: Add the bread cubes to the pan with the bacon grease and cook until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: Gently toss the bacon, bread, avocado, arugula, and basil together with the tomatoes and shallot. Season with additional olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Tips for the Best BLT Panzanella
- Use good quality ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes, good quality bacon, and artisan bread will make a difference.
- Don't skip frying the bread: The fried bread cubes are what make this salad a panzanella and add a wonderful texture.
- Customize to your liking: Add other vegetables or herbs, or use a different kind of cheese. You can also add a grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
A Note on Health
While this salad isn't completely calorie-free, it does incorporate healthy fats from the avocado, and is packed with vitamins and fiber from the fresh produce. By choosing lean bacon and using a light dressing you can keep it light and nutritious. You can also adjust the amount of bread and bacon to your preference.
This BLT Panzanella is a delicious way to enjoy the best of summer. So grab those fresh ingredients, get cooking, and savor every bite! This will quickly become one of your go to meals.