In this Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad, succulent grilled zucchini takes center stage, offering a delightful twist on the traditional Greek salad. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light weeknight meal. The unique combination of flavors makes it a refreshing and healthy option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of zucchini while adding a smoky depth to the salad.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olives, and protein from feta cheese, this salad is both nourishing and satisfying.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this vibrant dish in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with grilled meats for a complete meal or serve it as a side at barbecues and gatherings.
- Perfect for Summer: Enjoy this salad during zucchini season when the vegetables are at their peak freshness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the zucchini, enhancing flavor dramatically.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients and dressing without making a mess.
- Whisk: Helps create a well-blended dressing by easily mixing ingredients together.
Ingredients
In this Zucchini Greek Salad, grilled zucchini replaces the cucumbers for a Greek Salad variation that’s really a treat during zucchini season.
For the Salad
- 2 zucchinis about 10 inches long
- olive oil, to brush on zucchini
- 4 tsp. Greek seasoning
- 1/2 cup Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing (see notes)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- one 6 oz. can pitted black olives, drained and cut in half (see notes)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (more or less to taste)
- 1 T dried Greek Oregano
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high. This is crucial as you want the grill hot enough to give those beautiful grill marks to your zucchini.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Cut off both ends of the zucchinis.
- Cut each zucchini into fourths lengthwise (or sixths if they’re large).
- Brush all sides of the zucchini pieces with olive oil.
Step 3: Season the Zucchini
Sprinkle Greek seasoning generously on the white cut sides of each piece.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
- Lay each piece of zucchini cut side down on the grill.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks.
- Flip each piece over to cook the second cut side for another 3-4 minutes.
- Finally, turn them so that the green skin is down and grill until tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
While your zucchini grills, whisk together Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing with dried oregano in a mixing bowl.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
- Once grilled, remove zucchini from heat and let cool briefly before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- In your mixing bowl with dressing, add zucchini pieces and toss gently.
- Chop cherry tomatoes and black olives; mix them into the bowl with zucchini.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and combine all ingredients gently.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season with fresh ground black pepper to taste and garnish with chopped parsley before serving!
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad! Perfect as a main dish or as an accompaniment to your favorite protein!
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
Serving Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad can elevate any meal. This refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch option. Here are some delicious ways to serve it.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken adds a good source of protein and complements the salad’s flavors.
- Lamb Chops: The rich taste of lamb pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing in the salad.
Use as a Topping
- Pita Bread: Top warm pita bread with the salad for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
- Crostini: Spoon the salad onto toasted crostini for an elegant appetizer.
Enjoy Alone
- Light Lunch: Serve the salad on its own for a refreshing, low-carb lunch option.
- Picnic Delight: Pack it in a container for a tasty picnic side that travels well.
How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
To ensure your Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Bold Seasoning: Generously season your zucchini before grilling to enhance its flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and olives make a big difference in taste. Aim for high-quality feta cheese too.
- Grill at High Heat: Ensure your grill is hot enough to achieve those perfect grill marks and tender texture.
- Let it Rest: Allow the grilled zucchini to cool slightly before adding it to the salad. This helps it absorb the dressing better.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding lemon juice or herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve Chilled: For an even more refreshing experience, chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this dish.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs adds grainy texture and nutritional value.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary provide a satisfying crunch alongside the salad.
- Hummus Platter: A colorful platter of hummus and veggies makes for a delightful dipping option.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Creamy yogurt dip garnished with herbs balances out the flavors of the salad well.
- Feta-Stuffed Peppers: Mini sweet peppers stuffed with feta offer a flavorful bite-sized snack that pairs nicely.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cool cucumber sauce can serve as a dip or dressing that complements all Mediterranean flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to adequately season the zucchini can lead to bland flavors. Always sprinkle Greek seasoning on your zucchini before grilling for enhanced taste.
- Overcooking the zucchini: Cooking zucchini too long can make it mushy. Aim for tender-crisp texture by grilling it just until fork-tender.
- Ignoring dressing absorption: If you toss all ingredients together without letting the zucchini absorb some dressing, flavors won’t meld well. Let the grilled zucchini soak up some dressing before mixing.
- Using stale ingredients: Using old or expired ingredients like feta cheese and olives can ruin your salad’s freshness. Always check expiration dates for optimal flavor.
- Neglecting presentation: A salad needs an appealing look. Arrange the ingredients neatly in a bowl and drizzle with extra dressing for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible, to maintain texture.
Freezing Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the vegetables after thawing.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Defrost in the fridge before using but expect changes in texture.
Reheating Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat in a skillet while stirring gently until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in my Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad?
Yes! You can add bell peppers, red onions, or even grilled eggplant to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I make this Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
What are good sides to serve with Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, pita bread, or hummus for a complete meal.
How can I customize my Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad?
Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch or swap out olives based on your preference.
What is the best way to prepare zucchini before grilling?
Trim both ends and slice them lengthwise into quarters or sixths for even cooking on the grill.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or light main course during summer gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, nuts, or dressings according to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful recipe!
Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad
Grilled Zucchini Greek Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic dish, elevating summer gatherings with its fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients. This salad features succulent grilled zucchini that adds a delightful smoky depth, making it both a healthy and satisfying choice. Tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is perfect for brightening up any meal. Whether served as a main course or a side dish at picnics and barbecues, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis (about 10 inches long)
- Olive oil
- 4 tsp. Greek seasoning
- ½ cup Newman's Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 6 oz. can pitted black olives (halved)
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp dried Greek oregano
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Trim both ends of the zucchinis and slice them lengthwise into quarters. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle Greek seasoning on cut sides.
- Grill zucchini cut side down for about 3-4 minutes; flip and cook until tender but still crisp.
- Whisk together dressing and oregano in a mixing bowl while zucchini grills.
- Cool grilled zucchini slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss in dressing along with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
- Season with black pepper and garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating bell peppers or red onions into the salad. To make it vegan, omit the feta or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
