Get ready to elevate your culinary game with this Mediterranean-inspired grilled vegetable salad that's not just a side dish, but a showstopper! Imagine perfectly charred zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onions, infused with a tantalizing balsamic marinade that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, this make-ahead salad is your ticket to effortless, delicious dining that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, and red onion into uniform slices approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even grilling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Whisk the ingredients until they are well blended.
- Add the sliced vegetables to the marinade and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Let the vegetables marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated vegetables on the grill in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop nice char marks and become tender.
- Remove grilled vegetables from heat and transfer to a large serving platter. Allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, you can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for later use. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Before serving, let the grilled vegetables sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and optionally drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Tips
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation
- Don't rush the marinating process - those 15-20 minutes allow flavors to deeply penetrate the vegetables
- Use a clean, well-oiled grill to prevent sticking and achieve those picture-perfect char marks
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill, which can lead to steaming instead of grilling
- Let vegetables cool to room temperature for the best flavor development
- For extra flavor, experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano as a final garnish
- This salad gets even better after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
