There’s something uniquely refreshing about a dish that marries the crunch of fresh vegetables with the rich, succulent taste of seafood. Enter my Prawn Panzanella, a vibrant salad that comes together in just 10 minutes and is bursting with flavor! With sustainably sourced prawns, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy ciabatta, this Italian-style salad is perfect for those moments when you want a light yet satisfying meal.
What truly elevates this dish is the zesty jalapeño dressing, bringing just the right amount of spice to awake your taste buds. I stumbled upon this delightful combination during a casual lunch at home, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this prawn panzanella offers a delicious escape from boring meals, and it won’t keep you in the kitchen for long!
Why is Prawn Panzanella a Must-Try?
Fresh, Vibrant Ingredients: The use of sustainably sourced prawns and crisp vegetables creates a lively dish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meals.
Versatile Flavors: From the sweet cherry tomatoes to the spicy jalapeño dressing, each bite offers a delightful medley of tastes.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a refined dinner party or a casual lunch, this salad impresses everyone at the table.
Healthy & Light: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it caters to health-conscious eaters without compromising on flavor.
Prawn Panzanella Ingredients
For the Salad
• Sustainably Sourced Prawns – These add a protein boost; shrimp or cooked lobster work well as substitutes.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Their sweetness brings juiciness; diced regular tomatoes are a fine alternative.
• Celery Tops – These offer a fresh, peppery touch; consider using parsley or arugula if preferred.
• Spring Onions – A mild onion flavor enhances freshness; regular onions are suitable for a milder taste.
• Yellow and Red Peppers – They add sweetness and vibrant color; any bell pepper can substitute.
• Ciabatta – This provides the necessary texture; any crusty bread can be an excellent alternative.
For the Dressing
• Pickled Jalapeños – They furnish spice and tang; fresh jalapeños offer a milder option when omitted.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Essential for richness; avocado oil is a great substitute if needed.
• White Wine Vinegar – This balances flavors with a hint of acidity; apple cider vinegar works too.
Dive into making this delicious prawn panzanella—a salad full of fresh flavors and delightful textures!
How to Make Prawn Panzanella
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Prepare Vegetables: Start by halving the cherry tomatoes, chopping the celery tops, and slicing the spring onions. Roast the yellow and red peppers until slightly charred, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare Bread: Grill or toast the ciabatta slices until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let them cool slightly before tearing them into rustic pieces.
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Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine chopped jalapeños, extra-virgin olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Whisk well until the mixture is nicely blended and emulsified.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, gently toss together the cooked prawns, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped celery tops, spring onions, roasted peppers, and the torn ciabatta pieces.
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Dress Salad: Pour the zesty jalapeño dressing over the salad mixture, carefully mixing it together to ensure every element is coated in that delicious flavor.
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Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the prawn panzanella right after dressing it. This keeps the ciabatta beautifully crunchy and ready to delight every bite.
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Prawn Panzanella?
Pairing your prawn panzanella with delightful sides can elevate your meal into a memorable dining experience.
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Creamy Risotto: The creamy texture of risotto contrasts beautifully with the crisp salad, providing a comforting side for a satisfying meal.
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Grilled Asparagus: Simple and elegant, grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the panzanella.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch of toasted bread is perfect for scooping up the delicious salad, creating a delightful bite.
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Zucchini Fritters: Light and crispy, zucchini fritters bring out the freshness of the salad while adding a nice crunch to the meal.
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Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser, this light dessert will leave your taste buds dancing after the vibrant flavors of the panzanella.
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Sparkling White Wine: A chilled glass of Prosecco or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Consider these pairings to craft an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the beloved prawn panzanella!
How to Store and Freeze Prawn Panzanella
Fridge: Store leftover prawn panzanella components separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain freshness.
Bread Storage: Keep the ciabatta pieces in an airtight container, but add them just before serving to keep them crisp.
Reheating: If you need to reheat any ingredients, do so gently in a pan to avoid making the prawns rubbery or the bread soggy.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled salad; however, you can freeze cooked prawns separately for up to 3 months, then thaw and combine when ready to enjoy!
Make Ahead Options
These Prawn Panzanella components are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prep the vegetables (cherry tomatoes, celery tops, spring onions, and roasted peppers) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh crunch. The toasted ciabatta can be made a day ahead, but for best results, keep it separate to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy your Prawn Panzanella, combine the prepped ingredients and toss them with the dressing you’ve made shortly before serving. This method ensures that your salad tastes just as delicious as when freshly made, allowing you to enjoy a convenient yet flavorful meal!
Prawn Panzanella Variations
Customize your dish with these delightful twists that will elevate your prawn panzanella to new heights!
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Roasted Veg Panzanella: Substitute prawns with an array of roasted vegetables, like zucchini and eggplant, for a hearty vegetarian delight. This version is perfect for a comforting, seasonal option.
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Chicken Panzanella: Swap in shredded roast chicken for a filling alternative. This allows the dish to retain its fresh essence while packing in protein that is sure to satisfy.
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Quinoa Boost: Add cooked quinoa for an extra layer of texture and nutrition. This gluten-free addition brings a nutty flavor and is perfect for making the salad even more substantial.
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Herb-Infused Dressing: Elevate your dressing by mixing fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to create a flavorful twist. This will brighten each bite and enhance the freshness of your ingredients.
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Spicy Avocado: Toss in some diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. The richness balances the zesty jalapeño dressing, giving a beautiful contrast that pleases the palate.
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Citrus Burst: Incorporate segments of orange or grapefruit to add a refreshing citrus note. This zingy addition brightens the salad and pairs wonderfully with the prawns.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an exciting crunch. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a delightful nutty flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.
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Heat Level Up: For those who love an extra kick, finely chop a habanero pepper into the dressing. This amp up the heat, creating an exhilarating experience for spice-lovers.
Expert Tips for Prawn Panzanella
- Prep Prawns Early: Cook and peel prawns in advance to cut down on prep time. This ensures they’re ready to add right when you need them.
- Jalapeño Adjustments: Start with fewer jalapeños in the dressing and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it out!
- Keep Bread Crisp: To prevent the ciabatta from getting soggy, consider serving the dressing on the side. This lets everyone dress their salad just before eating.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest vegetables and sustainably sourced prawns. This will elevate your prawn panzanella with vibrant flavors and added nutrition.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to mix in other vegetables or herbs you love. The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability, so make it your own!
Prawn Panzanella Recipe FAQs
What kind of prawns should I use for Prawn Panzanella?
Absolutely! I recommend using sustainably sourced prawns for the best flavor and texture. You can also opt for shrimp or even cooked lobster as a substitute if you prefer, making sure they are peeled and deveined for easy preparation.
How should I store leftover Prawn Panzanella?
For the best quality, it’s crucial to store leftover components separately. Keep the prawn mixture and vegetables in one airtight container and the ciabatta in another for up to 1 day in the fridge. This way, you can maintain the freshness of the ingredients and keep the bread from getting soggy.
Can I freeze Prawn Panzanella?
While I don’t recommend freezing the entire assembled salad due to the crisp nature of its components, you can certainly freeze cooked prawns on their own! Place the prawns in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator when you’re ready to whip up a fresh batch of Prawn Panzanella.
What can I do if my bread becomes soggy?
Very! If you notice your ciabatta has gone a bit soggy, you can revive it by placing it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will give it a lovely crispiness again! Additionally, serving the dressing on the side can help prevent the bread from getting soggy in the first place.
Can I use different vegetables in Prawn Panzanella?
Absolutely! The beauty of Prawn Panzanella lies in its versatility. Feel free to mix in or replace vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. For instance, diced cucumber, radishes, or even grilled zucchini can add a delightful crunch and new flavors to your salad.
Are there any dietary considerations for Prawn Panzanella?
Absolutely! If you’re entertaining guests with dietary restrictions, this dish can easily be made dairy-free by simply making sure no dairy products are in your dressing or bread ingredients. For those with shellfish allergies, you could substitute the prawns with a robust mix of roasted vegetables or even grilled chicken for a hearty twist!
Refreshing Prawn Panzanella with Zesty Jalapeño Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by halving the cherry tomatoes, chopping the celery tops, and slicing the spring onions. Roast the yellow and red peppers until slightly charred, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Grill or toast the ciabatta slices until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let them cool slightly before tearing them into rustic pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine chopped jalapeños, extra-virgin olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Whisk well until the mixture is nicely blended and emulsified.
- In a large serving bowl, gently toss together the cooked prawns, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped celery tops, spring onions, roasted peppers, and the torn ciabatta pieces.
- Pour the zesty jalapeño dressing over the salad mixture, carefully mixing it together to ensure every element is coated in that delicious flavor.
- For the best experience, serve the prawn panzanella right after dressing it.