This Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad is fresh and colorful! With grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and tasty feta cheese, it’s a healthy side that adds sunshine to any meal.
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just grill the zucchini, toss everything together, and you’re ready to impress your friends. It’s like a mini-vacation on your plate! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh medium zucchinis are key for this salad, giving it that vibrant color and a lovely, tender texture. If zucchinis aren’t available, you can use yellow squash as a substitute, which has a similar taste and texture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can replace it with avocado oil, which is also great for grilling and has a mild flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the salad. If you don’t have it, vinegar (like red wine or balsamic) can work, though it will change the taste a bit.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a nice kick. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can do, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and a tangy kick. If you don’t have feta or prefer a dairy-free option, crumbled tofu seasoned with a bit of salt and lemon can mimic that taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Zucchini?
Grilling zucchini can be straightforward, but a few tricks will help you achieve perfectly grilled slices. The key is marinating them and managing the grill heat.
- Slice zucchinis into even pieces for uniform cooking. Thin slices (about ¼ inch) work best.
- Let the sliced zucchinis marinate for about 10 minutes. This step allows them to soak up flavors.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This helps to create nice grill marks and tenderizes the zucchini quickly.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes. Watch closely; zucchinis can become mushy if overcooked. Turn them when you see grill marks.
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook on the grill, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fresh dish that’s perfect for those warm days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your zucchinis will get nice grill marks and cook evenly.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to create a flavorful marinade for the zucchini.
3. Marinate the Zucchini:
Add the thinly sliced zucchinis to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the zucchini slices to make sure they’re evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all the tasty flavors.
4. Grill the Zucchini:
Once your grill is hot and the zucchinis have marinated, place the zucchini slices on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and beautifully marked by the grill.
5. Serve the Salad:
After grilling, carefully remove the zucchini from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Top with chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese for a burst of freshness.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your Mediterranean style grilled zucchini salad warm or at room temperature. It’s a wonderful side dish or light salad that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or yellow squash. Just be sure to cut them into similar thickness as the zucchini for even grilling. Adjust the grilling time based on the vegetable you choose, as some may need more or less time to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
No problem! You can skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta made from nuts or tofu. Additionally, ensure that the olive oil and lemon juice are fresh and free from any non-vegan additives, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the zucchini from getting soggy, try to separate them from the dressing. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before serving.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and slice the zucchini ahead of time! Just toss the zucchini in the marinade a couple of hours before grilling for optimal flavor. After grilling, it’s best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can still be delicious the next day!
