By | April 9, 2012
Asparagus season deserves a welcome home party, complete with streamers and party hats and noisemakers and confetti (lots of confetti).
Or…maybe just a big hearty salad that is bursting with color and flavor and tastes like a combination of spring breeze and summer sun. On that note, send in the panzanella – chock full of roasted asparagus and leeks, white beans, cubes of toasted bread, and the fresh flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto, this salad is just the kind of homecoming feast that asparagus deserves. Grab a fork and get ready to dig in.
An Eats Well With Others Original; Photos by Joanne Bruno.
Joanne Bruno is a food writer and third year MD/PhD student. Find more of her delicious ramblings over at her blog: Eats Well With Others.
Other great recipes from Joanne Bruno:
Coconut Macadamia Nut-Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Tropical Salsa
Pasta with Oven-Roasted Eggplant, Goat Cheese, and Mint
Spring Pesto Panzanella Recipe
| Servings: | 8 |
| Calories: | 480 per serving |
| Prep Time: | 15 min |
| Cook Time: | 35 min |
| Total Time: | 50 min |
Ingredients
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread(about 11 oz)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 lb asparagus, cut into 1-inch slices
- 6 leeks, green parts removed, thinly sliced
- 2 cups white beans or flageolets
- 5 tomatoes, chopped (I used kumato tomatoes)
- 1 (8 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves shredded
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepperto taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Cut the ciabatta into cubes (or tear it into small pieces). In a large bowl, mix it with the 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese.
3. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool. Leave the oven on.
4. Spread the asparagus and leeks on a second baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle lightly with salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until asparagus and leeks are starting to brown. Set aside to cool.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the bread cubes, asparagus, leeks, white beans, tomatoes, lettuce and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix in the pesto and balsamic vinegar so that everything is evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
