What To Serve With Panzanella – 25 Best Side Dishes
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
- Grilled Fish
- Whole Roasted Chicken
- Baked Potatoes
- Antipasto Platter
- Bread
- Roast Beef
- Steak
- Grilled Salmon
- Grilled Shrimp
- 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:
- Mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate fish fillets for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Poke holes in potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour or until tender.
- Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the inside with a fork.
- 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:
- Arrange cured meats, cheeses, olives, and cherry tomatoes on a large platter.
- Add crackers or sliced baguette to the side.
- 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:
- Slice the bread into pieces.
- Mix olive oil, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the roast beef with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- 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.