This Grilled Zucchini Salad with a homemade red wine vinaigrette will be your repeat meal of the summer! It’s a vibrant, fresh dish that shines with the flavors of grilled vegetables and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for gatherings or a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s not only quick to make but also keeps the carbs low, making it suitable for various diets. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a light main course, and let its fresh ingredients make your summer meals delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Zucchini Salad

This salad is more than just delicious; it offers numerous benefits.

Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and mozzarella, it’s nutritious and satisfying.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues or enjoy it as a light meal on its own.
Low Carb Option: With fewer than 5 net carbs per serving, it’s ideal for keto diets.
Flavorful Vinaigrette: The homemade red wine vinaigrette adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather our tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill pan or cast iron skillet
Baking sheet
Paper towels
Mixing bowl or container for dressing
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Grill pan or cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly grilled zucchini.
Baking sheet: Useful for resting the zucchini while removing excess moisture.
Mixing bowl or container: Ideal for combining ingredients to create your flavorful dressing.

Ingredients

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

Trim ends off each zucchini. Slice into 1⁄2” thick circles on a bias. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place zucchini on it. Lightly press another paper towel on top to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Grill the Zucchini

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Grill zucchini in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until charred. Once cooked, set them onto a plate to cool.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

Sprinkle the top of cooked zucchini pieces with ¼ teaspoon salt and toss gently with your hands.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl or container, combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk together until well blended or cover and shake until emulsified.

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

Arrange grilled zucchini and sliced tomatoes on a serving dish along with mozzarella slices. Drizzle with vinaigrette (you may not use all of it), sprinkle with torn basil, and finish with remaining salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Enjoy this refreshing Grilled Zucchini Salad at your next meal!

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner or a side, there are plenty of creative options to enhance your meal.

As a Main Dish

Pair with Grilled Chicken – The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the salad perfectly.
Serve with Quinoa – A scoop of fluffy quinoa adds protein and makes for a filling meal.

As a Side Dish

With Barbecue Ribs – This salad provides a refreshing contrast to rich barbecue flavors.
Alongside Fish Tacos – The fresh ingredients balance the spiciness of fish tacos beautifully.

In a Wrap

Wrap it Up – Use the salad as a filling in whole grain wraps for an easy lunch option.
Serve on Toasted Bread – Spread the salad on toasted sourdough for a delicious open-faced sandwich.

How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad

Creating the perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad is simple with a few key tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

Choose Fresh Ingredients – Opt for ripe tomatoes and firm zucchini for optimal flavor and texture.
Control the Grill Temperature – Ensure your grill is hot enough to achieve those beautiful char marks without overcooking.
Season Generously – Don’t shy away from seasoning; it enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Let It Rest – Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing helps meld the flavors together.
Add Variety – Feel free to include other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and color.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its fresh flavors. Here are some great options.

Garlic Bread – A classic choice, garlic bread adds warmth and complements the salad’s freshness.
Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the light salad.
Caprese Skewers – These bite-sized treats echo the ingredients in your salad, making them a cohesive addition.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and creaminess, balancing out the grilled aspects of your meal.
Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meat create an appealing and satisfying side.
Couscous Salad – Light and fluffy, couscous salad can add more texture while keeping it healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Grilled Zucchini Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few tips to ensure a delicious outcome.

Skipping the Salt: Failing to salt the zucchini before grilling can lead to blandness. Sprinkle salt on the zucchini slices after grilling to enhance their flavor.
Overcrowding the Grill: Putting too many zucchini slices on the grill can cause steaming instead of grilling. Grill in batches to achieve that perfect char.
Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted vegetables will affect taste and texture. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Not Letting Zucchini Cool: Serving hot zucchini can melt the mozzarella too quickly. Allow grilled zucchini to cool slightly before assembling your salad.
Making Dressing Too Early: Preparing vinaigrette too far in advance can lead to separation. Make it just before serving for optimal flavor and consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

item Store any leftover Grilled Zucchini Salad in an airtight container.
item It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

item For best results, freeze zucchini separately from other salad components.
item This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze grilled zucchini for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm zucchini for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place zucchini on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, stirring often until warm.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of olive oil and heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Zucchini Salad.

Can I use different vegetables in my Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, red onion, or any seasonal veggies you enjoy.

How do I make my Grilled Zucchini Salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, substitute fresh mozzarella with avocado or a vegan cheese alternative.

What dressing works well with Grilled Zucchini Salad?

A simple balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing also complements grilled zucchini beautifully.

Can I prepare Grilled Zucchini Salad in advance?

You can grill the zucchini ahead of time; however, assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is not only quick and easy but also packed with fresh flavors that celebrate summer. With options for customization—like adding different veggies or proteins—this salad can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a go-to dish!