Okay, you may not be able to hop on a flight and live your coastal grandma vibes on the Italian coast, but thanks to Panera Bread’s new menu expansion, you can get some tasty Italian flavors all summer long.
Earlier this year, the chain surveyed its customers and found that 76% of Americans believe Italy to be a must-visit destination. And, what’s the best part of any trip? The food! The survey also revealed that 58% of Americans experienced major FOMO (fear of missing out) when Italian vacation pictures appeared on their timelines. This inspired the team at Panera to bring us three new Italian-inspired menu items just in time for summer. The brand says their Italian-inspired menu items are each crafted to capture the essence of old-world flavors with a bold twist.
What Are The New Italian-Inspired Menu Items?
- Italian Steak & Mozz: Tender, marinated sliced steak, fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato, arugula, garlic aioli, fresh basil, and Italian dressing on Panera’s Black Pepper Focaccia. This can be ordered as a half or whole sandwich. It’s already a fan favorite among food reviewers on TikTok, who note it as a “must-try” item. And, I agree. Steak can be a hit or miss (for me) on a sandwich because it can be too harsh or leave you feeling sluggish. This was perfectly balanced. The steak was tender and seasoned well, complementing the other ingredients in a unique yet tasty way.
- Italian Market Salad: Mixed greens with arugula, tossed in Italian dressing and topped with soppressata (an Italian dry-cured salami), shredded Asiago cheese, chopped basil, salt, pepper, chickpeas, and croutons. This can be ordered as a half or whole salad. You may want to order an extra dressing on the side to really soak up those Italian flavors.
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca: Refreshing lemonade made with agave nectar and a strawberry puree fruit blend, infused with fresh strawberries and basil. If you enjoy adult beverages, this drink would make a delicious base for a summer staple at any get-together.
Panera’s Italian-inspired menu items will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to stop by your local store to try all of them before they’re gone. The popular restaurant is also bringing a lot of other delicious flavors to the menu this summer.