Grilled Zucchini Salad

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is a delightful summer dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Bursting with flavor and freshness, it combines tender grilled zucchini with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty homemade red wine vinaigrette. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a healthy side, this salad is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and basil, making each bite refreshing.
• Low Carb Delight: With fewer than 5 net carbs per serving, it’s an excellent choice for those on keto or watching their carb intake.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish at your next barbecue; it pairs well with almost anything!
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Grilled Zucchini Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Whisk or jar with a lid (for dressing)
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet: These tools provide high heat for perfect charring of the zucchini slices, enhancing their flavor.
• Baking sheet: Useful for draining excess moisture from the zucchini before grilling, ensuring they grill nicely without steaming.
• Whisk or jar with a lid: Essential for mixing the dressing thoroughly; using a jar allows easy storage of any leftover vinaigrette.

Ingredients

This Grilled Zucchini Salad with a homemade red wine vinaigrette will be your repeat meal of the summer! This healthy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, loaded with fresh mozzarella and tender veggies, and has fewer than 5 net carbs.

For the Salad

• 1 pound zucchini (about 3 medium zucchini)
• 6 ounces tomato of choice (can be 2 medium vine-ripe tomatoes, 1 large Heirloom Tomato, or 2-3 Kumato tomatoes sliced into thin rounds)
• ½ pint colorful cherry tomatoes (8 ounces, halved)
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced into thin rounds and torn in half)
• 8-10 fresh basil leaves (torn right before serving)

For the Dressing

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons sugar-free maple syrup
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Trim ends off of each zucchini.
2. Slice each zucchini into 1⁄2” thick circles on a bias.
3. Line a baking sheet with a paper towel and place the zucchini on it.
4. Lightly press a paper towel on top of the zucchini too to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Grill the Zucchini

1. Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
2. Grill zucchini in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until charred.
4. Once cooked, set onto a plate to cool.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

1. Sprinkle the top of the cooked zucchini pieces with ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Toss gently with your hands to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a container or bowl.
2. Whisk together or cover the container and shake well until emulsified.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange the grilled zucchini on a serving dish along with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella slices.
2. Drizzle with vinaigrette (you may not use all).
3. Sprinkle with torn basil, additional salt, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Zucchini Salad!

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a side for dinner, or an appetizer for a gathering, here are some serving suggestions.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
• Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for extra crunch and nutrition.

As an Appetizer

• Present it in small portions as part of an antipasto platter.
• Offer toothpicks for easy serving at parties.

With Pasta

• Mix it into warm pasta dishes to add flavor and texture.
• Use it as a topping on cold pasta salads for a fresh twist.

On Toast

• Serve the salad on toasted bread for a delicious bruschetta-style treat.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added layer of taste.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled meats or fish during summer barbecues.
• Pair with roasted veggies for a colorful plate.

With Dips

• Enjoy alongside hummus or tzatziki for extra flavor.
• Serve with pita chips as a refreshing snack option.

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How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad

To ensure your Grilled Zucchini Salad is consistently delicious, consider these helpful tips. Small adjustments can elevate this dish even further!

• Choose fresh zucchini: Select firm, vibrant zucchini without soft spots for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Grill zucchini slices in batches to achieve perfect char marks and even cooking.
• Allow cooling time: Let grilled zucchini cool slightly before assembling the salad; this helps maintain its structure.
• Use high-quality olive oil: A good olive oil can enhance the taste of your vinaigrette significantly.
• Experiment with herbs: Besides basil, consider adding parsley or oregano for additional flavor profiles.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature: This salad tastes great when served slightly cooled, allowing all flavors to meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some options that complement its fresh flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread adds warmth and richness to your meal.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf offers protein and fiber while keeping the meal health-focused.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide heartiness without overwhelming the palate.
4. Caprese Skewers: These skewers provide delightful bites of mozzarella and tomatoes that echo the salad’s flavors.
5. Couscous Salad: A couscous salad with cucumbers and herbs creates a refreshing contrast to the grilled zucchini.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as an eye-catching, nutritious side option that fills out the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Grilled Zucchini Salad, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.

• Ignoring moisture: Failing to remove excess moisture from the zucchini can lead to sogginess. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before grilling.
• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many zucchini pieces on the grill at once can result in uneven cooking. Grill them in batches for perfect char marks.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to salt the grilled zucchini before serving may lead to bland flavors. Always season your veggies after grilling for maximum taste.
• Using cold ingredients: Serving the salad with cold tomatoes and cheese can affect the overall flavor. Allow these ingredients to reach room temperature before assembling.
• Not letting the vinaigrette sit: Dressing your salad immediately after mixing the vinaigrette can prevent flavors from melding. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before drizzling over your salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Zucchini Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
• If necessary, freeze individual components separately (like grilled zucchini) for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through, ensuring even heating by stirring.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the salad, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Zucchini Salad.

Can I make Grilled Zucchini Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead but assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

What variations can I try with Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Feel free to add grilled peppers or swap mozzarella for feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

How do I store leftover Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate until serving.

Is Grilled Zucchini Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s quick to prepare and works perfectly as a healthy meal prep option throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any summer gathering. With its fresh ingredients and customizable options, you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes. Try adding different cheeses or seasonal veggies to make this dish uniquely yours!