Summertime Grilled Panzanella Salad

Farmer's market was today!  I so look forward to Wednesdays.  Not only do I get to spend the whole day downtown, enjoying the sun and fresh air while selling bread for the bakery, but I also get to do my weekly shopping for fresh, delicious produce and other treats.  Today I picked up these gorgeous berries, sweet yellow tomatoes and artichokes (to be grilled later this week).

After a day of fun in the sun, I was craving a summery dinner and a grilled panzanella salad sounded just about perfect.  Grilled bread, Italian sausage & veggies tossed together with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, all dressed with an olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.  Simple and delicious.

Summertime Grilled Panzanella Salad with Italian Sausage

1 loaf good bread (I used ciabatta)

olive oil

 Italian sausage (Use about 1-1.5 links per person.  I used sweet sausage but hot would be better)

1 red pepper, cut into large pieces (grilling size)

1 zucchini, split lengthwise

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

2 small heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges

8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite sized pieces

6-8 fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

Dressing

1/2 tsp honey

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp olive oil

salt & pepper

pinch of red pepper flakes

Coat the zucchini,red pepper & sausages in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and place on a hot grill.  Grill the veggies just until their tender and have nice grill marks.  Slice the bread into 1 inch thick slices, drizzle with a little olive oil and grill lightly, just enough to toast.  Cut the grilled bread, sausage, red pepper and zucchini into bite sized chunks and arrange on a platter with the pieces of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes & torn basil leaves.

Whisk together the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the bread salad.  Enjoy!