Imagine a salad so vibrant, so fresh, and so incredibly delicious that it transforms your ordinary meal into a gourmet experience. Our Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad is not just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled zucchini with the bright, tangy flavors of fresh herbs and creamy feta. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the zucchinis under cold water and dry them with a clean towel. Trim the ends off each zucchini.
- Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline, slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin ribbons. Aim for about 1/8 inch in thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the zucchini ribbons with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Ensure the ribbons are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, place the zucchini ribbons on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the ribbons are tender and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should retain some crunch.
- While the zucchini is grilling, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Once the zucchini ribbons are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. Then, add the grilled zucchini to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Add the chopped fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese, and the juice of 1 lemon to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad as a light appetizer or a refreshing side dish!
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a sharp vegetable peeler or mandoline to create even zucchini ribbons. This ensures consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Grill zucchini ribbons in batches to prevent steaming and achieve those perfect grill marks.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for the most intense flavor. The quality of your ingredients makes all the difference!
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don't be afraid to play with the lemon juice and salt to find your perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, so time your preparation to serve right after grilling.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
