This Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad is fresh and tasty! It’s filled with grilled zucchini, colorful tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for that yummy tang.
Grilling the zucchini brings out a lovely smoky flavor that pairs well with the bright veggies. I like to serve it with some crusty bread—perfect for scooping up every last bite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis work great, but if you can’t find them, yellow squash is a good alternative. Just keep in mind the cooking time might change a bit!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or grapeseed oil can handle high heat and work well here.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint bring freshness. No mint? Basil or cilantro can be a nice substitute. Add dried herbs if fresh isn’t available—just use less since they’re more concentrated.
Feta Cheese: For a different tang, try goat cheese or even a vegan feta. Just be sure to crumble it for that perfect texture!
Lemon Zest & Juice: Fresh lemon zest elevates the flavor. Lime zest and juice can be swapped in for a different citrus touch if you prefer.
Garlic: While optional, I love adding garlic for an extra kick. If you’re avoiding fresh garlic, garlic powder can work too—about 1/4 teaspoon should suffice!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Zucchini?
Grilling zucchini is all about timing and temperature. The goal is to achieve a tender texture while keeping those beautiful grill marks. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking without burning.
- Coat zucchini evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Place zucchini slices directly on the grill. Avoid overcrowding, so they cook evenly.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re tender and have good grill marks. Check occasionally to avoid overcooking.
As a personal tip, let the grilled zucchini rest a few minutes before mixing them with the salad ingredients. This helps them retain their shape and not become mushy!
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad will take about 10 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to grill, so you’re looking at around 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll have a fresh, tasty dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by getting your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s hot and ready for your zucchini. This will help give them those lovely grill marks and a nice char!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, take the sliced zucchini and drizzle the olive oil over them. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Use a spoon or your hands to toss everything together until the zucchini slices are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings!
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to grill! Arrange the zucchini slices on the grill in a single layer. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and have those beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
4. Cool and Combine:
Once grilled, carefully take the zucchini off the grill and let them cool for a moment. In a serving bowl, mix the warm grilled zucchini with the chopped parsley, mint, crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and if you like garlic, add that minced garlic in too. Give it a gentle toss to combine everything well without breaking those lovely zucchini slices!
5. Serve:
You can serve your salad right away while it’s warm or pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill it. Both ways are delicious! Enjoy your fresh, Mediterranean delight!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! While zucchini is the star of this salad, you can also grill other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. Just ensure that the cooking times are similar to zucchini to keep the texture consistent.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the zucchini may release some moisture, causing the salad to become a bit soggy. Refresh the flavors by adding a little extra lemon juice or feta before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance! Just grill the zucchini and mix the other ingredients, but store the zucchini separately from the dressing and herbs to maintain freshness. Combine right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor of the Salad?
If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating additional herbs like oregano or dill. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or substitute the feta with goat cheese for a different creamy texture!
