If there’s one summer dish I crave all season long, it’s this bright and irresistible Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe. Think smoky grilled zucchini mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and heaps of fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s bursting with color and flavor, and best of all, it’s incredibly simple to throw together whether you’re grilling in the backyard, cooking on a stovetop grill pan, or prepping ahead for a picnic. If you’re searching for a salad that feels both fresh and a little bit fancy, this one is truly a standout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe sing—just a handful of super-fresh ingredients, each playing a starring role in the taste, texture, and look of the finished dish. Here’s what makes each component special:
- Zucchinis: The heart of the salad; when grilled, they become tender and smoky with gorgeous char marks.
- Olive oil: Adds essential richness and helps the zucchini brown beautifully on the grill.
- Salt: Heightens the flavors and balances the natural sweetness of vegetables.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite to contrast the creaminess of feta.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and colorful little bursts that liven up every bite.
- Feta cheese: Brings crave-worthy creaminess and a briny punch to the salad.
- Fresh basil: Infuses the dish with summery, aromatic notes.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Lends a tangy, sweet backbone to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Binds the dressing and adds an irresistible zing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the luscious base of the dressing, so use the good stuff!
- Garlic: Gives depth and a mellow bite to the salad’s vinaigrette.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Giving it a few minutes to get really hot ensures those enviable grill marks and locks in the zucchini’s flavor. No outdoor grill? No problem at all—the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe works just as well on a sturdy stovetop grill pan.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Zucchini
Brush the zucchini slices generously with olive oil, making sure to coat both sides, then sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper. This quick step helps the zucchini stay moist, adds a lovely seasoning, and delivers that signature savory finish to every bite.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Lay your zucchini slices straight onto the hot grill. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until they’re tender, slightly charred, and have those beautiful grill marks. You’ll start to smell the sweet, nutty perfume of grilled zucchini—absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Cool and Chop
Transfer the grilled zucchini to a plate and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle so your salad doesn’t turn watery. Once they’ve cooled off a bit, cut the slices into bite-sized pieces—perfect for mingling with the other salad ingredients.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic. This simple vinaigrette brings the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe to life, tying all the components together with tang, creamy richness, and a garlicky kick.
Step 6: Toss It All Together
In a big mixing bowl, combine the grilled zucchini pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, chopped basil, and parsley. Drizzle your zingy dressing over the top and gently toss everything to coat. The salad’s vibrant colors and fresh perfume will be calling your name—try not to sneak a bite yet!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe right away, or chill it for a bit so all the flavors can mingle and develop. Either way, this salad shines as a side dish or a main event on any sunny day.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe with a final flourish—think a scatter of extra fresh basil, a dusting of lemon zest, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. These little touches make every serving feel like something special.
Side Dishes
This salad matches beautifully with just about anything from the grill: grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or garlicky lamb chops. For a vegetarian feast, pair it with crusty bread, grilled corn, or a platter of hummus and olives. The flavors are Mediterranean-inspired and endlessly versatile!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, try mounding the salad on individual plates, nestling it into lettuce cups, or serving it family-style on a colorful platter. You can even layer the ingredients in jars for a picnic-friendly twist on the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover salad (not likely, but you never know!), cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to two days. The veggies will soften a little more as they rest, but the flavors only deepen and mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this fresh and vibrant salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing. Freezing alters the texture of grilled zucchini and fresh herbs, leaving them watery and limp when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe while it’s fresh and at its most delicious.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary (or recommended). If you prefer, you can let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before serving to recapture their full flavor and aroma.
FAQs
Can I grill the zucchini ahead of time for the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Grilling the zucchini a few hours ahead is a great time-saver. Store the grilled slices in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
You can make the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe vegan by simply omitting the feta cheese or swapping in a favorite plant-based feta. The salad still bursts with flavor thanks to the charred zucchini and robust dressing.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If zucchini isn’t available, summer squash works wonderfully in this salad. You could even experiment with grilled eggplant or asparagus for a twist on the classic Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
The trick is not to overcook the zucchini—they should be just tender with a bit of bite left. Also, letting them cool before chopping and combining with the dressing helps keep the salad crisp.
Can I add extra ingredients or proteins?
Definitely! Try tossing in grilled corn, chickpeas, or cubes of ripe avocado for more texture and flavor. This Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe is very flexible—add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a hearty main dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that captures all the joys of summer eating, give the Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe a try. It’s simple, stunning, and destined to become a favorite at your table. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. The grilled zucchini adds a smoky charred flavor, complemented by the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a simple balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 3 medium zucchinis (sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill Zucchini: Brush zucchini slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until tender and charred. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, basil, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- You can add grilled corn, chickpeas, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
