Bringing the World’s Best Flavors to Your Table

Grilled Zucchini Salad: A Charred Fresh Take on Summer Greens

0
(0)

Posted on

Published By:

Anjali Arora

Anjali Arora

recipe-featured-image-186

Salads

What makes this zucchini salad different isn’t just the flavor but the process. I love how the grill transforms these thin slices into smoky, caramelized ribbons. The smell of charred zucchini mixing with garlic and herbs fills the backyard, almost like summer itself is cooking right there.

Each bite offers a contrast—crisp edges, tender middles, and a burst of citrus from the dressing. It’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity but turns up the flavor with just a hot grill and fresh ingredients. This dish feels like a porch moment, slow and easy, yet bursting with personality.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?

  • The granularity of the char marks makes every forkful feel like a small feast.
  • I get nostalgic for summer nights with parents’ backyard barbecues, but this is so quick it’s a weeknight hero.
  • The fresh basil and lemon keep it lively—no heavy oils or creams needed.
  • It’s surprisingly satisfying for a vegetable-based dish; it’s like a tiny kitchen rebellion.

As the season shifts, this salad feels like a breath of fresh, smoky air. It balances the fresh sharpness of raw zucchini but gains depth from those smoky grill lines. Perfect now, when we crave lightness but want flavor that sticks.

Plus, feeling the heat from the grill, hearing that sizzle, is a little reminder that summer’s still around the corner. It’s a small ritual that makes me grateful for fresh ingredients and good weather.

It’s a dish that both honors the familiar and surprises with how quickly you can elevate it. A reminder that sometimes, simple ingredients and a hot grill are all you need.

recipe-featured-image-186

Grilled Zucchini Salad

This zucchini salad features thin slices of zucchini grilled until charred and tender, then tossed with fresh garlic, herbs, and a citrus dressing. The final dish showcases smoky, caramelized ribbons with crispy edges and a tender interior, topped with vibrant flavors and a light, satisfying texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium zucchini preferably young and firm
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus additional for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Trim the ends of the zucchini and then slice them into thin, even ribbons using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Place the slices on a parchment-lined tray.
    recipe-step-image-0-77
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, creating a bright dressing.
    recipe-step-image-1-77
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and begins to smoke slightly. Brush the grill grates or pan with a little oil to prevent sticking.
    recipe-step-image-2-77
  • Using tongs, carefully place the zucchini slices on the grill, spreading them out into a single layer. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop distinct char lines and are tender yet slightly crispy on the edges.
    recipe-step-image-3-77
  • Remove the grilled zucchini from the heat and transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Toss gently with the prepared dressing, ensuring each ribbon is coated with the smoky, flavorful mixture.
    recipe-step-image-4-76
  • Finish by drizzling a little extra olive oil over the salad and sprinkling with more fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, smoky ribbons with a bright, herbal kick.
    recipe-step-image-5-57

This grilled zucchini salad isn’t just a side; it’s a testament to the beauty of summer’s produce. It demands nothing fancy, just good ingredients and patience for the grill’s magic.

As the days grow warmer and longer, I’ll keep coming back to these quick, lively dishes that keep it fresh. They remind me that beauty often lies in simplicity—and in the smoky, crispy edges that only a good grill can bring out.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Tags:

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating