For this panzanella bruschetta salad, the textures of the bread, chicken, and cheeses combine with the crunch of lettuce and cucumbers topped with the fresh flavors of homemade bruschetta and balsamic dressing to make the most refreshing, healthy and delicious dinner salad.
I am so excited to share my very favorite salad recipe with you today in partnership with Albertsons.
Almost every single day during the long, hot summer while I was pregnant with my 2nd little one, I had a huge craving for the Panzanella Bruschetta Salad with Chicken from my favorite local restaurant. It is all of the best garden flavors with a greek/mediterranean twist.
Going to a restaurant every day was unrealistic, so I got to work trying to recreate the recipe at home so I could make it as often as I wanted. I think I might actually like my recipe better than the original! It is a perfect, filling and healthy dinner salad. It will be a staple in your rotation all summer long.
Panzanella Bruschetta Salad Ingredients and Supplies
For the best results, it is important to use really fresh, good quality ingredients. It makes a world of difference. I buy my O Organics® and Open Nature® products at my local Albertsons store because they have a satisfaction guarantee on their exclusive brands or your money back.
I grew up here in the Boise area where Albertsons originated and have always had a special place in my heart for their stores and for the things they have done for our community. I could go on and on.
I pop into my store all the time when I need just the right things for our family dinners or my tablescapes and they actually know me over at the flower counter.
Albertsons exclusive brands offer a variety of healthy alternatives such as plant based, protein rich, and gluten free options, so you'll have to check them out the next time you are in one of their stores (you can also find them at any Albertsons Companies family of stores, including ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets and Carrs/Safeway).
As I have shared before, we are in the process of moving and packing up our home. I was so excited to discover something that will make my life so much easier in the process- Open Nature compostable plates, forks, spoons, and knives.
The great thing is that the cutlery is dishwasher safe so we can reuse them over and over. We will just toss them when we move, and we can feel good about it because they are compostable! It's a win-win.
Assembling the Salad
I gave you exact measurements on the recipe card below, but truthfully I tend to just eyeball it. A little of this and a little of that- it's how I cook for my family most of the time.
First, season chicken with salt and pepper and cook on the grill or the stovetop. Slice up and set aside.
Second, drizzle olive oil in a pan. Sprinkle in bread chunks and cook on medium high heat until toasted on both sides. Remove from heat and set aside. Note- I prefer an artisan bread that has herbs baked into it, but a plain artisan or ciabatta is great as well.
Third, start assembling the salad with a bed of the romaine or spring mix lettuce in the bottom of a large serving bowl. If you don't like spring mix, you can swap it out with whatever you like.
Fourth, chop cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and sprinkle them on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle on mozarella, and olives as well.
Fifth, Crumble feta and sprinkle onto the salad along with the thin slices of basil.
Sixth, top with cooked bread cubes and chicken. Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper to taste.
Lastly, drizzle with my homemade perfect creamy balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing and enjoy!
Panzanella Salad Making Tips
When assembling this delicious Panzanella Bruschetta salad, you will want to keep these tips in mind:
- It is best to make the dressing ahead of time and chill it completely (or overnight) in the refrigerator before serving. This gives the dressing time for all of the flavors to meld together.
- While I show in these pictures that I made the salad in one big bowl, I often just prepare the salad directly onto individual plates, allowing my family to choose the amount of their toppings.
- This recipe is really adaptable, so don't be afraid to add or omit ingredients!
Panzanella Bruschetta Salad
The textures of the bread, chicken, and cheeses combine with the crunch of lettuce and cucumbers topped with the fresh flavors of homemade bruschetta and balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups artisan bread, ciabatta bread, or herbed artisan bread cubed
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped -or- bag of spring mix
- 2 large tomatos diced
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives halved or quartered
- 8 leaves basil thinly sliced
- 8 oz. fresh mozarella cheese (I prefer the cheese balls)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 english cucumber sliced
- 1/4 red onion diced
- 1 large grilled chicken breast sliced
- fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 recipe Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette link below
Instructions
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Cook chicken on grill or stovetop and set aside.
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Drizzle olive oil in a frying pan and place on medium high heat. Add cubed bread, cooking until they are golden brown. Remove from heat once both side
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Assemble salad by first dumping lettuce into a large bowl. Layer on all vegetables, mozarella, and olives. Sprinkle on feta and basil. Add cooked bread cubes and chicken. Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper to taste.
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Serve with homemade creamy balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing.
Recipe Notes
Here is the link to the balsamic Vinaigrette salad dressing recipe. It comes together in under 5 minutes, and is so delicious!
I hope you enjoy this healthy and delicious dinner salad!
Danielle
This is so yummy, Kristen
Kayly Nyman
This looks delicious. Added to my list of yummy summer recipes!