Grilled Zucchini Salad

Published: June 14, 2025

by Sofia

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a fresh, healthy dish this summer. It combines grilled zucchini with vibrant tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all drizzled with a zesty homemade red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light weeknight dinners, this salad is not only delicious but also low in carbs, making it suitable for various diets.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, you can whip up this salad for any meal.
Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the delightful crunch of grilled zucchini paired with juicy tomatoes and basil.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
Low-Carb Delight: With fewer than 5 net carbs per serving, it’s perfect for keto diets.
Great for Gatherings: This dish is a hit at summer parties and barbecues!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Grilled Zucchini Salad, gather the essential tools that will make the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Grill pan or cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor on the zucchini.
Baking sheet: Helps in drying out the zucchini before grilling to enhance texture.
Mixing bowl or container: Necessary for combining your dressing ingredients thoroughly.

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 of each zucchini.
Slice each zucchini into 1⁄2” thick circles on a bias.
Line a baking sheet with a paper towel and place the zucchini on it. Lightly press a paper towel on top of the zucchini too to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Grill the Zucchini

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

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

Sprinkle the top of the cooked zucchini pieces with ¼ teaspoon salt.
Toss with your hands to ensure even seasoning.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a container or bowl.
Whisk together or cover the container and shake well until emulsified.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

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

Enjoy this delightful Grilled Zucchini Salad as part of your summer meals!

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad

Grilled Zucchini Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as a light main course or a vibrant side, this salad adds freshness to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Course

Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer dinner.
Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal.

As a Side Dish

Complement with burgers or steaks for a barbecue feast.
Use it alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome vegetarian option.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

Roll it up in a whole-grain wrap for a healthy lunch.
Layer it in sandwiches with pesto for added flavor.

With Additional Toppings

Top with toasted nuts for added crunch.
Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrients.

On a Bed of Greens

Serve over mixed greens for an added layer of nutrition.
Toss with arugula for peppery notes and extra flavor.

How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad

To ensure your Grilled Zucchini Salad reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.

Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh zucchini and ripe tomatoes enhance the salad’s flavor greatly.
Don’t skip the salt: Salting the zucchini before grilling helps draw out moisture and intensifies the taste.
Experiment with dressings: While the red wine vinaigrette is delicious, try balsamic or lemon vinaigrette for different flavors.
Grill at the right temperature: Medium-high heat creates perfect grill marks and caramelizes sugars, enhancing sweetness.
Use seasonal ingredients: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or corn for variety and freshness.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad right after preparing.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad

Pairing your Grilled Zucchini Salad with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread adds comfort and pairs well with the salad’s fresh flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side dish brings added protein and texture while remaining light and healthy.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a satisfying accompaniment.
Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus served with pita chips and veggies offers great contrast in flavor and texture.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers featuring mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil echo the salad’s flavors beautifully.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds summer vibes to your meal, especially when brushed with herb butter.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with grains or meats provide heartiness alongside your salad.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley balances savory dishes while adding natural sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Grilled Zucchini Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Skipping the salting step: Neglecting to sprinkle salt on the zucchini before grilling can lead to excess moisture. Always salt your zucchini beforehand to help draw out water and enhance flavor.
Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many zucchini pieces at once can result in steaming instead of grilling. Grill in batches for that perfect char and texture.
Not using fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can diminish the salad’s taste. Opt for fresh, vibrant veggies, especially when it comes to tomatoes and basil.
Ignoring dressing balance: A poorly balanced vinaigrette can overpower the salad. Taste your dressing and adjust acidity and sweetness as necessary for a harmonious flavor.
Serving immediately after grilling: Letting grilled veggies cool allows flavors to meld together. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before assembling your salad.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Grilled Zucchini Salad lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Zucchini Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes after thawing.
If you must freeze, separate components like mozzarella and dressing first.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Use medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a Grilled Zucchini Salad more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding more herbs or spices such as oregano or garlic powder. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley also work well.

Can I use different vegetables in my Grilled Zucchini Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, asparagus, or even corn for added color and texture.

Is this Grilled Zucchini Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep since it holds up well in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.

What should I serve with my Grilled Zucchini Salad?

This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, fish, or as a side dish at barbecues.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is not only quick and easy but also highly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or dressings based on your preferences. It’s a perfect summer dish that’s light yet satisfying—try it today!