Grilled Zucchini Salad

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is the perfect addition to your summer meals! Packed with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, it’s a quick and nutritious option that can be served as a main dish or a delightful side. With its homemade red wine vinaigrette, this salad stays light yet satisfying, making it suitable for any occasion, from casual barbecues to elegant dinners.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Dressing
• How to Make Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
• Step 2: Grill the Zucchini
• Step 3: Season the Zucchini
• Step 4: Make the Dressing
• Step 5: Assemble the Salad
• How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad
• As a Main Course
• As a Side Dish
• In a Wrap
• With Extra Toppings
• How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Reheating Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Grilled Zucchini Salad ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for mozzarella in Grilled Zucchini Salad?
• How can I customize my Grilled Zucchini Salad?
• Is Grilled Zucchini Salad keto-friendly?
• What herbs work well with Grilled Zucchini Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Low in carbs and high in flavor, this salad is great for those following keto or low-carb diets.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant tomatoes creates a refreshing taste experience.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables or add your favorite proteins to fit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make this salad ahead of time for a healthy lunch option throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Grilled Zucchini Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Mixing bowl or container for dressing
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet: These tools help achieve that delicious charred flavor on the zucchini.
• Baking sheet: A great surface for prepping the zucchini and removing excess moisture before grilling.
• Mixing bowl or container: Ideal for quickly whisking together your vinaigrette without making a mess.

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

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

Step 2: Grill the Zucchini

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

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

Sprinkle the top of the cooked zucchini pieces with ¼ teaspoon salt and toss them gently with your hands.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl or container, combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk together until emulsified or cover and shake well if using a container.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Arrange room-temperature grilled zucchini on a serving dish along with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella slices. Drizzle with vinaigrette (you may not need all of it), sprinkle with torn basil, and season with an additional ¼ tsp salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Zucchini Salad!

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as a light main course or a delightful side, this salad brings fresh flavors to your table.

As a Main Course

• Pair with grilled chicken for a protein boost.
• Serve alongside quinoa for a hearty meal.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled fish for a healthy dinner.
• Enjoy with burgers during summer barbecues.

In a Wrap

• Use the salad as filling in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Add it to sandwiches for extra flavor and nutrition.

With Extra Toppings

• Sprinkle with feta cheese for added creaminess.
• Top with nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.

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How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad

To elevate your Grilled Zucchini Salad, here are some helpful tips that will enhance flavors and improve presentation.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Opt for the freshest zucchini and tomatoes available for the best taste.
• Grill at high heat: Ensure your grill is hot enough to achieve nice char marks on the zucchini.
• Make dressing ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance to let flavors meld together.
• Serve chilled: Allow the salad to cool slightly before serving; it enhances the flavors.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for variety.
• Plan for leftovers: This salad keeps well, so prepare extra for easy lunches throughout the week.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad

This Grilled Zucchini Salad pairs beautifully with various sides, making it an ideal addition to any meal. Here are some delicious ideas:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread brushed with garlic butter complements the fresh salad nicely.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds depth to your meal.
3. Cauliflower Rice: A light, low-carb alternative that pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs makes a nutritious and satisfying side.
5. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection add protein and flavor contrast.
6. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with vegetables enhances the freshness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilled Zucchini Salad is a delightful dish, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when preparing this salad.

• Ignoring moisture: Not removing excess moisture from the zucchini can lead to soggy pieces. Always press the zucchini between paper towels before grilling.
• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many zucchini pieces in the pan at once can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches for better char and flavor.
• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season the grilled zucchini will result in bland flavors. Always sprinkle salt after grilling for enhanced taste.
• Not letting it cool: Adding hot zucchini directly into the salad can wilt fresh ingredients. Allow the zucchini to cool before mixing with other salad components.
• Using low-quality oil: Using inferior olive oil can affect the dressing’s taste. Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a delicious vinaigrette.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers of Grilled Zucchini Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Zucchini Salad

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to texture changes after thawing.
• If you must freeze, only freeze grilled zucchini without other ingredients.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the salad for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Grilled Zucchini Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the zucchini and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Just mix everything together shortly before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for mozzarella in Grilled Zucchini Salad?

You can use feta cheese or goat cheese as alternatives if you prefer different flavors or textures.

How can I customize my Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, or include proteins such as grilled chicken or chickpeas to enhance nutrition.

Is Grilled Zucchini Salad keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This salad is low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto diet plan while still being delicious and satisfying.

What herbs work well with Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Besides basil, you could include parsley, thyme, or oregano for added flavor and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it allows for various customization options based on your taste preferences. Give it a try this summer and enjoy its fresh flavors!