This Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad is fresh and bright! With grilled zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it brings a taste of summer to your table.
I love serving it at gatherings—everyone asks for the recipe! It’s super easy to make, and the colors are just lovely. Plus, it’s healthy, so you can enjoy it guilt-free! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are key for this salad. You can use yellow squash as a fun swap. If you can’t find either, bell peppers can also add a nice crunch and blush of color.
Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil enhances flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use avocado oil for a buttery taste. Some people like to use grapeseed oil for a lighter option.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled tofu seasoned with a bit of lemon and salt for a similar texture. Vegan feta is also available in stores!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint brighten the salad. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried herbs can work too, but use them sparingly since they are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini can be trickier than it seems because it can easily become mushy. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Preheat your grill well for that perfect char on the zucchini.
- Cut your zucchini into even 1/4-inch rounds for uniform cooking.
- Coat them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. Watch carefully—once you see grill marks, it’s time to flip!
Let them cool a bit after grilling. This keeps them from getting overcooked while sitting in the bowl with other ingredients. Enjoy your flavorful salad!
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean salad will take you about 15 minutes. This includes about 5 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for grilling the zucchini. Then, it’s ready to serve! Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your zucchini cooks perfectly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, add the sliced zucchini rounds. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic if you choose to include it. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon, making sure the zucchini slices are evenly coated.
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Carefully place the zucchini slices on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to be tender with lovely grill marks. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a minute or two.
4. Mix the Salad:
In a serving bowl, combine the grilled zucchini with the chopped parsley, mint, and lemon juice. Be gentle as you toss the ingredients together to keep the zucchini intact and not mushy.
5. Add Feta and Serve:
Top your salad with the crumbled feta cheese, and if you like, add a bit more parsley or mint for extra flavor and presentation. It looks lovely and tastes great!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. Don’t forget to offer lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the salad for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy your fresh and healthy Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of zucchini, including yellow squash or even pattypan squash. Just keep in mind that different squashes may have slight variations in flavor and texture, but they will all work well in this salad.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese on hand, you can use goat cheese or even a soft ricotta for a creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice and herbs to mimic the tangy flavor of feta.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini Salad?
Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the feta cheese separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain its texture. Give it a gentle toss before enjoying it again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the grilled zucchini and mix it with the herbs and lemon juice ahead of time. Just keep the feta cheese separate until serving to prevent it from getting soggy. This salad actually tastes even better after marinating for a little while!
