Summer Panzanella with Cornbread and Strawberries

As fireworks fill the sky and picnic blankets grace the grass, there’s something magical about gathering with loved ones to celebrate the Fourth of July. This year, let your table tell a story of seasonal abundance, vibrant flavors, and a touch of Southern charm with my Summer Harvest Panzanella Salad.

Inspired by the nourishing rhythms of summer, this fresh twist on Fourth of July Flavor brings together golden cornbread, sweet strawberries, and sun-kissed roasted corn in a colorful medley that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. With its bright herbs, crisp onions, and a drizzle of balsamic-honey dressing, it’s the perfect companion to any holiday spread—and a beautiful reminder that healthy eating can be joyful, simple, and soul-satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or packing a picnic basket, this salad invites you to pause, savor, and celebrate not just independence, but interconnection—between food, well-being, and the ones we hold dear.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I was first introduced to a version of it while dining with dear friends—one of those evenings filled with laughter, meaningful conversation, and the kind of food that warms you from the inside out. I was so inspired by its vibrant colors that I came home determined to create a wholesome, health-forward twist. Over time, it’s become a family favorite, gracing our summer table with its cheerful colors and fresh ingredients.

For me, food is more than fuel—it’s a way to nurture the body, uplift the spirit, and create connection. My hope is that this Summer Harvest Panzanella Salad brings that same joy to your celebrations, whether you’re gathered around a table with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment outdoors.

May this dish be a reminder that nourishing recipes don’t just feed us—they unite us. 

And now, let’s highlight this wholesome side dish with some nutrition coaching love:

My Tips & Nourishing Notes

• Colorful Nutrition: This salad is a celebration of seasonal abundance. Roasted corn adds fiber and plant-based sweetness, while strawberries offer a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune health and radiant skin.

• Gluten-Friendly Flexibility: By using almond flour in place of organic all-purpose flour, you provide options for different dietary needs. This swap also offers a delicious nutty flavor and protein!

• Heart-Healthy Fats: The cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil in both the cornbread and dressing delivers monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Making your own salad dressing is one of the simplest and most empowering ways to nourish your body with intention.

  
  

• Why Homemade Dressings Are a Wellness Win

  • No Seed Oils = Less Inflammation: Many seed oils (like soybean, sunflower, corn, and canola) are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. By choosing heart-healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, you support a more balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio—great for joint health, brain function, and overall vitality.

  • Preservative-Free = Pure Nourishment: Store-bought dressings often contain artificial preservatives, stabilizers, and flavorings that can disrupt gut health and add unnecessary chemicals to your plate. Homemade dressings let you skip the additives and savor real ingredients that your body recognizes and thrives on.

  • Better Blood Sugar Balance: Many commercial dressings sneak in added sugars and refined oils that can spike blood sugar and leave you feeling sluggish. Homemade versions—especially those with balsamic vinegar, citrus, or apple cider vinegar—can actually help support digestion and stabilize energy levels.

  • Flavor That Reflects You: When you make your own dressing, you get to tailor the flavor to your mood, your meal, and your wellness goals. Want something tangy and bright? Add lemon and herbs. Craving creamy comfort? Blend tahini or Greek yogurt with garlic and citrus. It’s culinary self-care at its finest.

  • A Mindful Moment in the Kitchen: Whisking together a few simple ingredients can be a grounding ritual. It’s a chance to slow down, tune in, and infuse your food with love and intention. That’s nourishment for the soul.

• Natural Sweetness: Just a touch of honey complements the corn and strawberries beautifully, without spiking blood sugar levels. It’s a gentle way to support sustained energy—especially helpful on a day filled with celebrations!

• Vinegar with Benefits: The tangy balsamic and red wine vinegar in your dressing do more than flavor—they may help support digestion and blood sugar balance.

• Mindful Eating Moment: Serve this salad on a beautiful platter and invite guests to pause and take in the colors, textures, and flavors. Mindful bites create more joy and satisfaction—not just nourishment, but connection too.

  
  

SUMMER PANZANELLA WITH CORNBREAD AND STRAWBERRIES

CORNBREAD

1 c. coarse organic yellow cornmeal

1 c. organic all-purpose or almond flour

1 tbsp. aluminum-free baking powder

1 c. unsweetened coconut milk or buttermilk

1 large egg

½ c. extra virgin olive oil or melted grass-fed butter

¼ c. honey

4 ears of corn, roasted or sautéed, kernels cut from cob

2 cups sliced organic strawberries

2 tbsp. thinly sliced red onion

Large handful of basil, torn

DRESSING

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Freshly ground black pepper

Drizzle of honey

FREEDOM IN EVERY BITE

Just as we celebrate our country’s freedom this Fourth of July, may we also embrace freedom from food that doesn’t serve us well. With every bite of this nourishing Summer Panzanella Salad, we choose vibrant ingredients, joyful flavors, and the kind of care that strengthens not just our bodies, but our hearts and communities. Here's to living well, eating with intention, and honoring the liberty to fuel ourselves with love. With love and warmth, Elise xo