This Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad is fresh and colorful! It combines tasty grilled zucchini with vibrant veggies like tomatoes and bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty dressing.
Who’s ready for a light and fun side dish? I like to serve it chilled on hot days, and it’s a perfect way to use up all that summer zucchini. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the salad. Medium zucchinis work best, but feel free to use yellow squash for a splash of color. They’re both light and tasty.
Olive Oil: It’s essential for flavor and grilling. I recommend extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. If you’re out, avocado oil is a good substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma. Minced garlic is preferred, but you can use garlic powder as a backup; just use about 1/4 teaspoon.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint bring brightness. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can substitute dried herbs, but use less—about one-third the amount.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a nice tang. If you want a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or a plant-based feta alternative.
How Do I Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky; you want them tender but not mushy. Here are some helpful steps:
- Preheat your grill well; it should be medium-high. A hot grill ensures nice grill marks.
- Thin slices help them cook quickly. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick.
- Oil the zucchini well to prevent sticking. Use the oil mixture thoroughly to coat each piece.
- Monitor grilling time. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred; flip gently with tongs.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have perfect grilled zucchini every time!
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: additional lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill, so you can have it ready in about 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure that your zucchini gets that wonderful grilled flavor and nice char marks.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture will add lots of flavor to your zucchini.
3. Coat the Zucchini:
Add the sliced zucchini to your bowl and toss them gently until every slice is coated with the olive oil mixture. Make sure they are all nice and glistening—this will help them grill beautifully!
4. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini slices on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and has nice grill marks. Once done, remove them from the grill and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, combine the grilled zucchini, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. These fresh herbs will add a nice burst of flavor to your salad.
6. Add Lemon Juice:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the salad and toss everything together gently to mix well. This brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty touch!
7. Top with Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. If you’d like, you can add some extra herbs for garnish. It makes the dish look even more appetizing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. If you want, add some lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness. Enjoy your vibrant Mediterranean salad!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Besides Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. Just make sure they are cut into similar thickness for even grilling, and adjust grilling time as needed based on the vegetable.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or some avocado for creaminess. The flavors will still be delicious and refreshing!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have the feta added, it’s best to serve that fresh, so you might consider storing the salad without it and adding it just before serving.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can grill the zucchini and prepare the dressing in advance. Just combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh, or serve it at room temperature for best flavor.
