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Autumn Panzanella Salad

Irresistible Autumn Panzanella Salad Bursting with Flavor

Enjoy this Autumn Panzanella Salad, a vibrant celebration of fall flavors with roasted butternut squash and crunchy hazelnuts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Butternut Squash Feel free to substitute with pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
  • 5-6 oz Sourdough Bread Ensure it’s day-old for better toasting.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Yellow onion can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 bunch Lacinato Kale Can replace with spinach or mixed greens.
  • 1/2 cup Toasted Hazelnuts Walnuts or pecans can work as alternatives.
For the Dressing
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil High-quality oil is recommended.
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar Substitute with red wine vinegar if desired.
  • 2 tsp Honey Maple syrup is a perfect vegan substitute.
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • 1 Garlic Clove Grated; feel free to omit if preferred.
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
Optional Garnishes
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese Can be replaced with vegan Parmesan.
  • 1/2 cup DeLallo Castelvetrano Olives Kalamata or green olives can be used instead.

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Knife

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine olive oil, grated Parmesan, chopped rosemary, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss the butternut squash cubes and red onion slices with half of this mixture until they’re well coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 15-17 minutes, until the squash is golden and tender.
  2. In the same bowl, add the day-old sourdough bread chunks with the remaining oil mixture, tossing to coat. Push the roasted veggies to one side of the baking sheet to create space, then spread the bread on the other side. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes, watching for the bread to become crispy and golden.
  3. While the veggies and bread roast, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Set it aside until you're ready to dress the salad.
  4. As the roasting completes, prepare the lacinato kale. Remove the tough stems and cut the leaves into ribbons. Place the kale in a bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale gently with your hands until it wilts slightly and softens.
  5. On a serving platter, layer the massaged kale, roasted butternut squash, red onion, and crispy sourdough. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the top, ensuring it gets evenly distributed. Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts and olives over the salad for an extra crunch, and finish with shaved Parmesan cheese.
  6. Allow the assembled Autumn Panzanella Salad to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature to let the bread absorb the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be modified for vegan or gluten-free diets. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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