Grilled Gluten Free Panzanella Salad

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Grilled Panzanella Salad

 

Makes 6 servings

Free From gluten and all top 8 allergens

 

It’s still 100 degrees here in Southern California, and while it’s technically fall, cool autumn days seem nowhere in sight. And so, we continue to dine al fresco, and prefer to stay away from the stove as much as possible.  Take advantage of your grill with this light and flavorful Grilled Gluten-Free Bread Salad.  Farmer’s Markets are still overflowing with all varieties of vine ripe tomatoes and basil, so grab them while it’s hot! For added texture you can also throw in some diced cucumber, or add some artichoke hearts.  This recipe is very adaptable and always delicious.

 

1 small garlic clove, crushed

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning bread

freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small shallot, thinly sliced

2 lbs ripe tomatoes of varying colors and sizes

8 oz (6-8 slices) gluten-free allergy-friendly white bread

1 large garlic clove, cut in half

2 tbsp drained capers

½ cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)

 

1. In a large serving bowl, combine crushed garlic, oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt and a few turns pepper. Stir in vinegar. Slowly drizzle in ¼ cup oil, while whisking to emulsify. Add shallot, stir to combine and separate the rings. Chop tomatoes into chunks, or halve cherry tomatoes, then add to bowl and toss gently with vinaigrette.

2. Heat grill to medium.

3. Brush bread on both sides with remaining ¼ cup olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill 3-4 minutes per side until browned and slightly charred. Rub cut garlic half over one side of bread slices. Let cool 5 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.

4. Gently stir capers and basil into tomato mixture. Add bread and toss well to combine. Serve immediately.

 

Grilled Gluten-Free Panzanella Salad © 2014 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Allergic Living Magazine

Photo courtesy of Saveur.

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

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Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

 

Makes 6 servings

Free From gluten and all top 8 allergens

With sweet crunchy corn in peak-season, it’s readily available and at the height of its deliciousness. While fantastic simply steamed or boiled on the cob, corn is also wonderful grilled, and can take center stage as a featured ingredient in salads, salsas, and many other sides.  When shopping for fresh corn, look for green moist husks that cling tightly to the corn. To determine if it’s ripe, look for deep brown silk tips or ends — however, the whole silk should not be dried up — if it is, your corn is probably past its prime.  A sure-fire way to make sure your corn is fresh and ripe is to peel back the husk slightly, and check the top row of kernels for plumpness. Dried or shriveled corn is a no-go.  The ultimate test is to pierce a kernel with your fingernail. If it’s milky, your corn is just right.

This flavorful fresh Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad is a perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.  Try it with my Carne Asada, for a flavor-full fiesta!

 

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

¼ cup + 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (3 limes)

¼ cup + 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing

salt and black pepper, to taste

6 ears corn, husks and silks removed and halved

½ cup finely diced red onion

1 red bell pepper, diced

⅓ cup chopped, loosely-packed cilantro leaves

2 ripe, firm avocados, diced

 

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic, cumin and chili powder. Whisk in lime juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Add pinch of salt and dash of pepper.

2. Heat grill to high. Liberally brush corn with olive oil and lightly season all sides with salt and pepper. Grill with lid closed 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until slightly charred on all sides.

3. Transfer corn to cutting board. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut off kernels. Place kernels in a large bowl and stir in onion, bell pepper and dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add cilantro and avocado and toss gently to combine.

4. Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

 

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad  © 2014 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Allergic Living Magazine

Crunchy Cucumber Salad

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Crunchy Cucumber Salad

 

Serves 4 to 6

Free of: gluten and all top allergens

 

Cucumber salad is a perfect crisp and refreshing picnic side, but it can often get soggy fast. The following recipe employs several chef secrets to keep your cucumbers crunchy and delish.

 

2 English cucumbers, peel on

¾ tsp salt

2 tbsp sherry vinegar

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp Dijon mustard

¼ tsp lemon zest

3 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup finely minced red onion

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Freshly ground pepper

 

1. Cut cucumbers into halves lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Cut into ¼-inch thick slices. Put into a colander, sprinkle with salt and toss well. Place colander over a large bowl and let the cucumbers drain for 30 minutes, tossing a few times. Transfer cucumbers to paper towels and thoroughly blot dry.

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2. Meanwhile, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard, zest and a few turns of freshly ground pepper. Drizzle in oil a little at a time while whisking, to emulsify.

3. Place drained cucumbers in a large salad bowl and toss with onions and fresh herbs. Add dressing and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

 

Crunchy Cucumber Salad © 2013 by Cybele Pascal

This recipe first appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of Allergic Living Magazine