Imagine a vibrant, sun-kissed salad that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every single bite. This Grilled Zucchini Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and those seeking a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, this dish promises to be your new summer obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing zucchinis and slicing them lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips. Ensure even thickness for consistent grilling.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill zucchini slices for 3-4 minutes per side, or until you see nice char marks and the vegetable becomes tender. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
- While zucchini is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Prepare the dressing by whisking remaining olive oil and lemon juice together.
- Chop grilled zucchini into bite-sized pieces and combine in a serving bowl with tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving. Serve at room temperature as a side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Slice zucchinis uniformly to ensure even grilling and a professional-looking presentation.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful char marks without burning.
- Let grilled zucchini cool slightly before chopping to maintain its texture and prevent mushiness.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Don't skip the fresh basil garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a few kalamata olives to intensify the Mediterranean feel.
- This salad tastes even better when allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
