What To Serve With Panzanella – 25 Best Side Dishes

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

What to serve with Panzanella is a question that I get asked a lot. Many people want to know what side dishes will pair well with this delicious Italian salad.

With that, in this article, I will share some of my favorite recipes that are perfect as their side dish!

What To Serve With Panzanella

  1. Grilled Fish
  2. Whole Roasted Chicken
  3. Baked Potatoes
  4. Antipasto Platter
  5. Bread
  6. Roast Beef
  7. Steak
  8. Grilled Salmon
  9. Grilled Shrimp
  10. Gazpacho

Grilled Fish

There are many cases when a delicious grilled fish can be the perfect side dish for a meal, whether it be for a special event or everyday meal.

The benefits of using grilled fish as a side dish are many- it is simple to cook, healthy, and provides a lean protein option.

The recipes that go well with grilled fish as a side dish include simple Panzanella salads, pasta with light sauces, and Caprese salad.

Compared to other side dishes, grilled fish is significantly healthier and lower in calories while still providing satisfying flavors.

Quick Recipe: Grilled Fish with Lemon Herb Marinade

Ingredients:

  • 4 fish fillets
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Marinate fish fillets for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill fish for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Whole Roasted Chicken

There are many reasons to love whole roasted chicken as a side dish for Panzanella. For one, it’s an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. It also provides a nice variety of textures and flavors that can complement any dish.

Additionally, whole roasted chicken is very easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. And finally, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.

Quick Recipe: Whole Roasted Chicken with Herbs

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place in a roasting pan and bake for 1.5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be used in various recipes. This hearty dish is packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying option for any meal. Additionally, baked potatoes are relatively quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

When pairing baked potatoes with other dishes, it is important to consider the overall flavor profile of the meal. For example, baked potatoes would be an excellent side for a grilled steak or chicken breast. The savory flavors of the meat would complement the sweetness of the potato, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal.

Alternatively, baked potatoes could also be served alongside a salad or soup for a lighter option. In this case, the potato would provide a heartier element to the dish and help to round out the meal.

Quick Recipe: Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

1 hour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Poke holes in potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour or until tender.
  3. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the inside with a fork.
  4. Top with sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper.

Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a perfect side dish for Panzanella, a classic Italian bread salad. The platter can be used to provide a variety of colors, textures, and flavors to the salad, making it more interesting and flavorful.

The benefits of using an antipasto platter as a side dish for Panzanella include the fact that it is easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is also very affordable.

Additionally, the platter can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Some popular items to include on an antipasto platter are cured meats, olives, cheeses, roasted peppers, and artichokes.

When pairing an antipasto platter with Panzanella, you may want to consider adding some additional ingredients to the salad, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or onions.

Quick Recipe: Antipasto Platter

Ingredients:

  • Assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
  • Various cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar)
  • Olives
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Crackers or sliced baguette
  • Fresh basil leaves

Average Cook Time:

10 minutes (assembly)

Instructions:

  1. Arrange cured meats, cheeses, olives, and cherry tomatoes on a large platter.
  2. Add crackers or sliced baguette to the side.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Bread

Bread is often thought of as a humble side dish, but it can be a great addition to several recipes. In particular, bread is an excellent choice for Panzanella, a traditional Italian dish made with tomatoes and onions.

The bread helps to absorb the flavors of the vegetables and create a more filling meal. Additionally, bread adds some much-needed texture to Panzanella, which can otherwise be quite mushy.

While any type of bread will work in this dish, sourdough or ciabatta is particularly good at soaking up all the delicious juices.

Quick Recipe: Simple Bread with Olive Oil and Herbs

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of crusty bread
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Average Cook Time:

5 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Slice the bread into pieces.
  2. Mix olive oil, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl.
  3. Serve the bread with the olive oil mixture for dipping.

Roast Beef

Roast beef makes for a great side dish for Panzanella. For those unfamiliar with Panzanella, it is a Tuscan bread and tomato salad that is traditionally made with stale bread.

The bread is soaked in water and then squeezed dry before being mixed with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. It is then left to sit for at least an hour so that the flavors can meld together.

While Panzanella is typically served as a main course, roast beef makes for a great side dish. The beef pairs well with the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the tomatoes. Additionally, the beef helps to bulk up the salad and make it more filling.

Quick Recipe: Roast Beef with Garlic and Rosemary

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb roast beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

1 hour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub the roast beef with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place in a roasting pan and bake for 1 hour or until desired doneness is reached.

Steak

Steak is a delicious and versatile meat that can make a great addition to any meal.

When it comes to side dishes, steak is a great option for Panzanella. Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad that usually consists of bread, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes other vegetables. The addition of steak to this dish can add some extra protein and flavor.

Here are some benefits of using steak as a side dish for Panzanella:

  • Steak is a good source of protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
  • The rich flavor of steak can enhance the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.
  • Steak has a pleasant chewy texture that contrasts well with the crunchy bread and juicy tomatoes.

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish, steak is a great option for Panzanella. This classic Italian bread salad is usually made with bread, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes other vegetables. Adding steak to the dish can add some extra protein and flavor.

Keep in mind that the cooking time for the steak will need to be adjusted based on the thickness of the meat. For example, a thicker cut of steak will need to be cooked for a longer period.

Quick Recipe: Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 ribeye steaks
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to high heat.
  2. Season steaks with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  4. Blend parsley, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make chimichurri sauce.
  5. Serve steaks with chimichurri sauce.

Grilled Salmon

Salmon, when grilled, is an excellent side dish for Panzanella. The healthy benefits of salmon are many and it is a good way to get your heart involved in a meal.

Salmon is also a light fish that will not weigh down the salad and its delicate flavor will be complementary to the other ingredients in the salad. You can use almost any recipe for Panzanella with grilled salmon as a side dish; just be sure to add the salmon towards the end of the grilling process so that it does not dry out.

When choosing a recipe, look for one that has bold flavors like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice; these will stand up well to the char from the grill and complement the salmon perfectly. And don’t forget the fresh herbs! Grilled salmon is delicious with chopped basil, oregano, or rosemary sprinkled on top.

Quick Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

12 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Marinate salmon for at least 10 minutes.
  4. Grill salmon for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
  5. Serve with extra lemon-dill sauce.

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp is a great way to add protein and flavor to any dish. whether you’re looking for a light and healthy option for your next meal, or something a little more filling and substantial.

In addition to being a delicious and versatile protein, shrimp is also packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and selenium. grilled shrimp makes an excellent side dish for Panzanella, a traditional Italian bread salad.

The smoky flavor of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the brightness of the vinegar and tomatoes in the salad, and the grilled bread adds a wonderful contrast of texture.

I like to serve this dish with a simple green salad and some crusty bread on the side. For a heartier meal, you could add some cooked pasta or rice to the Panzanella. This dish is also great for entertaining because it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.

Quick Recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

10 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Melt butter and mix with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with garlic butter.
  4. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing and healthy side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes.

It is full of vitamins and antioxidants, and it is low in calories. Gazpacho is also versatile – it can be made with a variety of fruits and vegetables, and it can be served cold or hot.

Gazpacho is a great side dish for Panzanella because it complements the hearty bread and vegetables in the salad. The acidity of the gazpacho cuts through the richness of the Panzanella, and the Cold soup refreshes the palate.

Gazpacho can also be used as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. The soup’s light flavor pairs well with the smokiness of grilled meats, and its freshness helps to cut through the heaviness of the meat.

Quick Recipe: Gazpacho

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes (plus chilling time)

Instructions:

  1. Blend tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic in a blender until smooth.
  2. Add vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and blend again.
  3. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Panzanella

What are other options when choosing what to serve with Panzanella?

  1. Butternut Squash Risotto
  2. Mushroom Risotto
  3. Tomato Basil Soup
  4. Sauteed Zucchini Ribbons With Thyme, Lemon, And Pine Nuts
  5. Roasted Fennel, Olive Tapenade, And Red Onion On Crostini
  6. Grilled Vegetables With Balsamic Vinaigrette
  7. Roasted Potatoes With Rosemary And Garlic
  8. Eggplant Parmesan
  9. Pasta Carbonara
  10. Spaghetti With Meatballs

What are some tips when choosing what to serve with Panzanella?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to serve with Panzanella. First, the dish should have bold flavors that can stand up to the acidity of the vinegar in the salad.

Second, the dish should be able to complement the hearty bread and vegetables in the salad. Third, the dish should be versatile and able to be served cold or hot.

And finally, the dish should be refreshing and light so that it does not weigh down the salad.

Conclusion

When it comes to what to serve with Panzanella, the sky’s the limit!

You can choose almost any dish that has bold flavors and can stand up to the acidity of the vinegar in the salad. Grilled salmon or shrimp are excellent choices, as is gazpacho soup.

And don’t forget about grilled vegetables – they make a great side dish for Panzanella. Just remember to keep the flavors bold and the dish light so that it doesn’t weigh down the salad.

Andrew

Chef