Lunch: Grilled Southern Panzanella Salad

Grilled vegetables and toasted cornbread make a hearty salad

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Grilled Southern Panzanella Salad

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

2 (6 oz) packages buttermilk cornbread mix
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rings
1 red bell pepper, cut into wedges, seeds and membranes removed
1 green bell pepper, cut into wedges, seeds and membranes removed
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into wedges, seeds and membranes removed
2 yellow squash, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish (optional)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for the salad (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for the salad (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 °. Lightly grease a 9 by 9-inch baking pan.
Prepare the cornbread mixes according to package directions. Pour the combined batter into the prepared pan. Bake according to the directions on the box or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. Invert the cornbread onto a cutting board. Cut the cornbread into 1/2-inch cubes and arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter, tossing gently to coat. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until the cornbread is toasted, about 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Combine the onion, peppers, squash, and zucchini in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange the onion slices on the preheated grill, cover with the grill lid, and cook for 3 minutes per side. Remove the onions from the grill, chop and set aside. Arrange the pepper wedges on the grill, cover with the grill lid, and cook for 8 minutes per side. Chop the peppers, and set aside. Arrange the squash and zucchini on the grill, cover with the grill lid, and cook for 2 minutes per side. Chop the squash, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables, tomatoes and cornbread squares, Add the Lemon Vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves and serve immediately.