This Mediterranean-style grilled zucchini salad is fresh and tasty! Packed with grilled zucchini, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Grilling the zucchini adds a yummy smoky flavor. I love making this salad on warm days when I want something bright and healthy. It’s like sunshine on a plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis give a lovely texture and flavor to the salad. If zucchinis are not available, yellow squash works as a great substitute. They will taste almost the same but add a bit of color to your dish!
Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor. If you’re looking to cut costs, light olive oil or avocado oil are great alternatives. They also have high smoke points, perfect for grilling.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy tang. If you prefer, goat cheese can be used instead for a different flavor that complements the salad nicely. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and herbs.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint brighten the dish. If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried herbs can work in a pinch, using about a third of the amount. I love fresh mint for its refreshing taste, especially in summer salads!
How Do You Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky, but it’s all about the right heat and timing. Here’s how to get those flavorful grill marks while keeping it tender:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F.
- Coat the zucchini with olive oil and season well to prevent sticking.
- Place zucchini slices on grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for those nice char marks!
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Give each slice space to cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on them; you want tenderness without losing the crunch.
Letting the zucchini cool a bit after grilling helps the flavors develop before mixing with the other ingredients!
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 to 10 minutes to grill. Overall, you’ll spend around 20 minutes prepping and cooking this fresh, healthy dish perfect for a side or light meal. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get those beautiful grill marks on your zucchini!
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchinis with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every slice is well coated so that they absorb all those wonderful flavors!
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini slices directly on the grill. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the zucchini feels tender when you poke it with a fork.
4. Cool and Combine:
Once the zucchinis are grilled, carefully remove them from the grill and allow them to cool slightly. In a large serving bowl, mix in the grilled zucchini with the chopped parsley and mint (if using). This will add a lovely freshness!
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the salad and gently toss everything together. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes as a garnish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad is ready! You can serve it warm or let it come to room temperature. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side or a light main course!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! While zucchini is delicious, you can mix in other grilled vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for different vegetables, as they may grill faster or slower than zucchini.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even crumbled cotija cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try using a store-bought dairy-free cheese alternative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, keep the feta cheese separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent it from getting too soggy.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the zucchini and dressing in advance. Grill the zucchini and let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Just combine it with the herbs, lemon juice, and feta right before serving to keep everything fresh!
