Zucchini Panzanella

Zucchini Panzanella
David Malosh for The New York Times
Total Time
35 minutes
Rating
4(1,030)
Notes
Read community notes

Zucchini shines in this take on panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad commonly featuring tomatoes. (Panzanella didn’t include tomatoes until the 16th century, and earlier versions featured onions as the main vegetable.) Here, scallions crisp up alongside the pan-fried croutons, which get a last-minute candying with maple syrup to provide extra crunch and insurance against sogginess. While the croutons are magnificent and dangerously snackable, the star of this salad is the zucchini. Cooked zucchini tastes wonderful, but the crunch of the raw vegetable in this recipe is stimulating and sweet, especially when doused with the punchy, garlicky dressing.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 3medium zucchini (about 1 pound), trimmed
  • Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
  • 2packed cups (½-inch) cubes of dense, chewy, day-old bread (5 ounces), such as sourdough
  • 4tablespoons olive oil
  • 1bunch scallions, thinly sliced at an angle (about 2 cups)
  • 1teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1large garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½cup Castelvetrano or other green olives, pitted and torn into halves
  • 1packed cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

257 calories; 17 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 12 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 24 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 5 grams protein; 564 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Slice 1 zucchini crosswise into ¼-inch-thick coins. Slice the remaining 2 zucchini crosswise into 2-inch-long segments; press on each segment with your hand (and body weight) to crush so the two rounded sides are flattened, then tear into bite-size pieces. Add all of the zucchini to a large colander set in the sink, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and toss. Let sit to drain, about 30 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    While the zucchini drains, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the bread and toss frequently with a wooden spoon until lightly browned and beginning to dry out, about 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons oil, the scallions and ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and toss until the bread is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bread is crispy and evenly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. The scallions should be slightly wilted and browned.

  3. Step 3

    Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the pan. Toss frequently until the bread is evenly coated and the syrup has caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and set aside so the croutons can cool slightly while you finish the salad.

  4. Step 4

    In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, mustard and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup and ½ teaspoon oregano.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the drained zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and blot dry. Add to the bowl with the dressing and toss. Transfer the croutons to the bowl, along with the olives and parsley, and gently toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,030 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

This recipe is a delicious revelation AS WRITTEN. The 1 TBSP of maple syrup on the bread adds such a lovely caramelization and a delightful frisson of crunch when you come across a bite-- and the 2 tsp of maple syrup in the dressing balances the mustard and olives so nicely. The salted zucchini takes on a wonderful texture and adds a lot to the salad as well. This is a 10/10, I will make it over and over again, with the syrup exactly where it is in this well-tested and well-conceived recipe. Yum

You should have to sign an oath when you buy this app to cook every recipe one time as is before you can make comments on it. We made this as is and it was fabulous. Will be making weekly with our CSA zucchini and parsley!!

I'll use pomegranate molasses rather than maple syrup. Maple seems discordant with the Mediterranean flavors.

Ok I’ve read so many comments against this idea of maple syrup in this recipe! Clearly you haven’t tried it. It makes it! Trust me! Yes….I’m a Canadian, but still….makes it.

Maple syrup in classic Tuscan recipe? New world Quebec and Vermont will be pleased. Couldn't believe I actually hand it in the refrigerator. I am open minded though, and the end result was fine. I would toast the bread in a skillet in a countertop oven and then transfer to the stovetop for the rest of the prep. I did not understand or appreciate the crushing of the zucchini until the end result. Next time I will put more effort into crushing the zucchini.

I made as written. The maple syrup (real maple) actually works really well with the olive and Mediterranean flavors. A mistake to omit or substitute. I found it hard to squish the zucchini with my hands. Instead, I sandwiched the pieces between two large flexible plastic cutting board sheets on the floor and squished them by stepping on top. Large Zip-Lock bag might also work for stomping.

I followed the recipe exactly as written as part of a vegan menu and it was a standout. The caramelized croutons are incredible. Due to my timing being a bit off I let the zucchini (I used both yellow and green) drain for a few hours and they were perfect. I’ll definitely be making it again.

Sounds great. Will make it Manana. However maple sirup!! No way. Chilis however will be added.

This recipe is so smart. Maple bread is genius.

I made this as written, except I only used syrup in the dressing, and used minced garlic instead of grated. And stuffed queen olives because it’s what I had. It was good. I think I would not bother with the coins of zucchini, and would tear it all into pieces (or maybe just dice it)

This was delicious - I didn't have olives on hand so I used capers : )) I like the idea of pomegranate syrup but I used maple and it didn't stand out or taste disconcerting.

I made this for lunch. The meat eater in the family wanted to not like it but came back for seconds! It was easy. I had all the ingredients & it was so good! I will definitely add it to my recipe box. Thanks!

Let's be honest... The croutons and the dressing are more the star of the show than the raw zucchini. But, I enjoyed this recipe, was pleasantly surprised by the flavor combos (yes, even the maple!), and was glad to have a new way to treat zucchini that doesn't just lead to mush or sweet bread. It opened up ideas for reiterations and riffs, which is always the sign of a good recipe.

I haven't tried this but agree with the comments regarding maple syrup. I keep Mirin on hand for just this sort of substitution. It adds a little sweetness and as a wine, goes fine with Mediterranean or pretty much any other flavor profile.

I used kalamata olive bread and subbed the green olives for kalamata. Wine vinegar, and next time I would do maybe just 1 1/2 tsp. Mustard, I thought the zucchini technique was weird and probably next time would just cube one and slice one. Don’t slice all of them bc the slices will stick together when you salt them. Also I subbed a random quantity of arugula for the parsley. Thought it was delicious and will definitely make again.

This is such a delicious recipe that I’ve now made it several times. Most recently, to add a bit more heft to the recipe, I added a can of chickpeas. To make the chickpeas delicious, I recommend draining and rinsing, and then microwaving them in a bowl with about 1/3 of the dressing and a generous amount of salt for 2-4 minutes. That allows the dressing to absorb into the chickpeas. Seriously good!

Made as directed. Interesting flavors, but it’s like a collection of separate, good tasting ingredients. I think it needs more dressing to meld it all together.

Made it as instructed, and I was surprised at how good it tasted. Especially the crutons. Must do it again.

We substituted other fresh herbs and spinach for the parsley due to an allergy, and this was still delicious - everyone we shared it with loved it.

Smashing and salting the zucchini opens up a whole new way to enjoy the vegetable with most any cooking. Can see myself using that trick for lots of recipes in the future

This was FABULOUS made as written. But sometimes raw veggies give my belly some trouble. So the next day I threw the leftovers in a saute pan with hot olive oil. Sauteed for 7-8 minutes (ish). Topped with additional salt and pepper and some good parm. CHEF'S KISS.

Maybe I pack too well but jeez that was way too much parsley. Otherwise, perfect!

I made this tonight..used 1 more tblspn of maple syrup than called for, used one very large garden zucchini. This was magnificent...my husband & I loved it, ate seconds. Served over fresh salad leaves. This took me longer but I am slower. Many thanks, Mr. Kim, for a truly magnificent recipe. I sprinkled small crisp bacon pieces on top.

Is the zucchini supposed to be raw? I’m cheating and sautéing.

I didn’t have green olives and had to make do with olive tapenade. It worked ok. As other commenters have said, the maple syrup is great in this and not overwhelmingly maple-y.

I didn't expect to love it because raw zucchini, but it's great. Also tried it using herbs de provence and fresh basil in place of parsley. The maple syrup is delicious here.

Just made this as a side dish for an easy summer dinner with friends and it was the hit of the dinner. The maple syrup is just what was needed for the bread and it is just a sweetener for the dressing- not a strong maple flavor. I did add some just picked sungold tomatoes that I cut in half and added for some color and little juicier bite.

Made this in hurry due to overabundance of CSA zukes. Didn't even read it all the way to the end. No cooking the zucchini? How is that supposed to be good? Turns out that the salting combined with the dressing only on the zucchini gave off a "pickling vibe" I prepared mostly as described and agree that it was surprisingly spectacular. Olives, maple, mustard and rice wine vinegar, yum. I did substitute basil for parsley since again, overabundance from the CSA.

Mozarella ball

Cinderalla ball.

This is so good, just as is

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