Grilled Zucchini Salad

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light weeknight meal. With its colorful mix of grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, this salad stands out with its homemade red wine vinaigrette. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking less than 30 minutes—but also low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a keto diet or looking for a healthy side. Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of grilled zucchini and fresh mozzarella ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions like picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
• Healthy Option: With fewer than 5 net carbs per serving, this salad fits well into low-carb diets.
• Colorful Presentation: The bright colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To bring this Grilled Zucchini Salad to life, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
• Whisk or lid (for shaking dressing)

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill pan or cast iron skillet: These tools provide high heat for perfectly charred zucchini.
• Baking sheet: A great surface to dry the zucchini before grilling, ensuring they get that lovely char without steaming.

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 each zucchini.
2. Slice each zucchini into 1⁄2” thick circles on a bias.
3. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place the zucchini on it.
4. Lightly press a paper towel on top of the zucchini 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 without 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 1⁄4 teaspoon salt.
2. Toss gently with your hands.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a container or bowl.
2. Whisk together or cover 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 of it).
3. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves and add an additional sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Now you have a delicious Grilled Zucchini Salad ready to enjoy! Perfect as a light meal or side dish at your next gathering!

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. This refreshing salad not only makes a great side but can also shine as a main course or appetizer. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Light Main Course

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a satisfying, healthy meal.
• Serve alongside quinoa for added protein and texture.

With Fresh Bread

• Enjoy it with crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
• Use pita bread for a fun dipping experience.

As an Appetizer

• Offer it as a starter at gatherings; guests will love the vibrant flavors.
• Serve on small plates for easy sharing.

Topped with Protein

• Add sliced grilled steak for a heartier option.
• Top with chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

With Extra Dressing

• Drizzle more of the homemade red wine vinaigrette over each serving for extra flavor.
• Serve the dressing on the side for guests to customize their salads.

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How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad

To make your Grilled Zucchini Salad even better, consider these simple tips. They will help enhance the flavors and presentation of this delightful dish.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always select ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Grill zucchini until just charred; this keeps it tender yet crisp.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper in the salad dressing to suit your preference.
• Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad

Complement your Grilled Zucchini Salad with these delicious side dishes. They pair wonderfully and enhance your meal’s overall taste.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread adds a comforting touch to any meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies offer depth and richness alongside the salad.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an attractive side.
4. Caprese Skewers: Mini skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add freshness and fun presentation.
5. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with herbs complements the zucchini’s flavors well.
6. Grilled Shrimp: Juicy grilled shrimp bring an extra layer of protein and flavor to the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Grilled Zucchini Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your zucchini before grilling can lead to bland flavors. Always sprinkle a little salt on your zucchini to enhance its taste.

• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many zucchini slices on the grill at once can cause steaming instead of grilling. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect char.

• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold tomatoes or mozzarella can cool down your salad. Let these ingredients come to room temperature for better flavor integration.

• Ignoring the dressing: It’s tempting to skip making a homemade dressing, but store-bought versions lack freshness. Whisk together your own vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.

• Forgetting about presentation: A beautiful salad is more inviting. Take time to arrange your grilled zucchini and toppings artfully for an appealing dish.

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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

• This salad is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the zucchini will change once thawed.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Zucchini Salad that may help you make the most of this recipe.

Can I use different vegetables in my Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, asparagus, or even corn for variety and added flavor.

What type of cheese works best with Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but feta or goat cheese also adds a delicious twist if you prefer.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The vinaigrette remains vegan-friendly!

Can I prepare Grilled Zucchini Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can grill the zucchini and prepare the dressing in advance. Just combine everything right before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is not only quick and easy but also offers great versatility. You can customize it with various vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand. Try it this summer, and enjoy a refreshing dish perfect for any meal!