This Mediterranean style grilled zucchini salad is fresh and colorful! With tasty grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal.
It’s super easy to whip up and brings a bit of sunshine to the table. I love how grill marks make everything look fancy, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love feta? 🧀
When I make this salad, I often serve it with grilled chicken for a nice lunch. It’s light but filling, making it a go-to in my recipe book! Enjoy the flavors! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here. Look for firm, unblemished ones. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works great as a substitute.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with grilling. Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for its flavor, but any light olive oil will do. You can substitute with avocado oil if needed.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice salty touch. If you prefer a different cheese, goat cheese or even cotija can be tasty alternatives.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint add freshness. If you don’t have fresh herbs, I recommend using dried herbs like oregano or thyme, but fresh is always better for this salad.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar (like red wine or apple cider) can work in a pinch, though it won’t have the same zest.
How Can I Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it just right! Start by cutting the zucchini into even rounds to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat—this helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Coat the zucchini well with olive oil, as this prevents sticking and allows them to brown nicely.
- Grill the rounds for 3-4 minutes on each side or until you see nice grill marks. Don’t overcrowd the grill; keep them in a single layer for better cooking.
Remove the zucchini when it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it. You don’t want mushy zucchini!
How to Make Mediterranean Style Grilled Zucchini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 8-10 minutes for grilling. You’ll have this delicious Mediterranean style grilled zucchini salad ready in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the zucchini cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini rounds, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Toss everything together until the zucchini is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Carefully place the zucchini rounds on the grill in a single layer. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until you see nice grill marks and the zucchini becomes tender. Once done, remove the zucchini from the grill and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Mix in the Additional Ingredients:
In a large serving bowl, add the grilled zucchini, along with the chopped parsley, mint (if you’re using it), and crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients will add flavor and freshness to your salad!
5. Finish with Lemon:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine the flavors. Be careful not to break the zucchini too much—they should remain nice and intact!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Mediterranean style grilled zucchini salad can be served warm or at room temperature. For a beautiful presentation, you can garnish it with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious side dish!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute zucchini with other vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just slice them to a similar thickness and adjust the grilling time as needed, since different veggies may cook faster or slower than zucchini!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh parsley or mint, you can use dried herbs instead. For instance, try 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried mint. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use them sparingly and adjust to your taste.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if storing, you might want to keep the feta cheese and lemon juice separate until serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the feta cheese. For a vegan version, you can replace the feta with vegan cheese or avocado for creaminess. Both options will still give you a delicious flavor in your salad!
