This Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad is a colorful mix of grilled zucchini, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon. It’s light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor!
I love making this salad for a quick lunch or a side dish. It’s super easy to whip up, and believe me, it’s a hit at barbecues. Who knew veggies could be so tasty? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh and medium-sized zucchinis are best for grilling. If you can’t find zucchini, feel free to substitute with yellow squash. It has a similar texture and flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite because of its rich taste. You can swap it for avocado oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the salad. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can give a nice twist!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice salty flavor. You can use goat cheese for a creamier texture or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint enhance the freshness. If you don’t have mint, fresh basil can work too. Dried herbs could be used but fresh really shines in this dish.
How Do I Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini makes it tender and flavorful, but there’s a simple technique to get it just right. The key is even cutting and proper seasoning. Here’s how:
- First, slice the zucchini into even rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If it’s too hot, the zucchini will burn before cooking through.
- Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for those lovely grill marks and check for tenderness with a fork.
- Let them cool slightly before adding herbs and cheese to let the flavors deepen.
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to grill the zucchini. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a fresh and vibrant salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium heat. This will ensure that your zucchini cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything well so that the zucchini is nicely coated with the mixture. This will give it lots of flavor!
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Carefully place the seasoned zucchini slices onto the hot grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over and grill for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Once the zucchini is grilled, remove it from the grill and transfer the slices to a serving platter. Now, it’s time to make it pretty! Sprinkle the chopped parsley, mint (if you’re using it), and crumbled feta over the zucchini.
5. Final Touches:
For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if you like. This will enhance the freshness of the salad!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. It’s a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own! Enjoy every bite of your Mediterranean delight!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. Just adjust the grilling time according to the thickness of the vegetable slices—thicker veggies may need a little longer to grill.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to keep the feta cheese and herbs separate until serving. You can enjoy it cold or gently reheat the zucchini, but it’s also delicious served chilled!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare and grill the zucchini, then let it cool before adding the feta and herbs. Keep the components separate until you’re ready to serve, as this will prevent the salad from becoming soggy. It can be made up to a day in advance!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If fresh parsley or mint isn’t available, you can use dried herbs instead. For parsley, use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley; for mint, consider using about 1 teaspoon of dried mint. Just add them to the olive oil mixture before tossing the zucchini.
