Recipe: Grilled peach panzanella salad

Recipe created by Megann Evans for Glycemic Index Foundation

Sweet peaches, seeded mustard and fresh basil go into this delicious panzanella salad recipe. Easy-to-make and a worthy centrepiece – perfect for a barbecue.

Prep/cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 small low GI rolls, torn/cut into 2.5 cm cubes
• 2 1/2 tbs red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbs lemon zest plus 1/4 cup fresh juice (from approx 2 lemons)
• 1 tbs chopped chives
• 1/2 tsp seeded mustard
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large yellow peaches or nectarines (ripe but firm), sliced
• 1 large ripe tomato, cut into wedges
• 1 Lebanese cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 20 large basil leaves

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Add bread cubes to the baking tray, lightly drizzling with olive oil, tossing regularly in the oven, until nicely browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. Whisk together red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, pepper and remaining 1⁄2 cup olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Preheat your grill pan or barbecue to high. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pit. Then cut each peach into 6 equal sections. Place the peaches in a medium-sized bowl and toss with the oil. Grill the peaches for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill using a spatula.
5. Combine peaches, tomato, cucumber, red onion, basil and toasted bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing, and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately, or allow salad to stand for about 30 minutes for flavours to blend before serving.

Notes: If you can’t find low GI rolls opt for small sourdough dinner rolls.