This Grilled Zucchini Salad with corn and tomatoes is the perfect dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. Fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes come together in a delightful salad tossed with a zesty lemon dressing. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the main event, this salad will impress your guests and brighten up any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This salad uses seasonal vegetables that are bursting with flavor.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side or a light main course; it pairs well with many dishes.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this salad is nutritious without compromising taste.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Grill pan
- Salad bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Salad bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spillage.
- Whisk: Ideal for combining the dressing ingredients to ensure they blend well.
Ingredients
This grilled Zucchini Salad with corn and tomatoes is tossed in a lemon dressing for the ultimate summer salad recipe! It’s fresh, delicious, and easy to make.
For the Salad
- 2 medium-sized zucchini (cut into ½-inch thick half-moons)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2½ cups corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or any other dried herbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish
- 2 cups arugula
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (you could also use bleu cheese or feta cheese)
How to Make Grilled Zucchini Salad
Step 1: Prep the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, around 425˚F. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Grill the Zucchini
Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini slices. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Place them on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they become tender and show grill marks.
Step 3: Grill the Tomatoes and Corn
While grilling zucchini, take a grill pan and combine the halved cherry tomatoes and corn kernels. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil, adding salt and pepper to taste. Set this pan on the grill, stirring frequently until everything is charred—about 2 to 3 minutes will do.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a large salad bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add the grilled zucchini slices, tomatoes, corn kernels, and arugula into the bowl with dressing. Toss everything together until well coated. Finally, top your grilled zucchini salad with crumbled goat cheese before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad
Grilled Zucchini Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for summer gatherings or light meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your salad experience.
As a Main Dish
- A satisfying option when served in larger portions, this salad can easily become the star of your meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete dinner.
With Protein
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. The protein complements the fresh veggies and enhances the flavor.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve over mixed greens or spinach to add extra nutrients and create a colorful presentation. This adds texture and freshness.
As a Side Dish
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it an ideal side for barbecues. Its bright flavors balance rich main courses.
In a Wrap
- Use the salad as a filling in wraps or pita bread. This makes for an easy lunch option that’s both tasty and healthy.
How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Salad
To make your Grilled Zucchini Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use the freshest zucchini, tomatoes, and corn you can find for optimal flavor.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: Grill until just tender to maintain some crunch. Overcooked zucchini can become mushy.
- Experiment with herbs: Try different dried herbs like basil or thyme for varied flavors in your dressing.
- Let it chill: Allowing the salad to rest briefly before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add nuts or seeds: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Make it ahead: This salad keeps well, so feel free to prepare it a few hours in advance for easy entertaining.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Salad
Grilled Zucchini Salad is fantastic on its own but becomes even more delightful with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection add protein and substance alongside your salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish rich in nutrients makes for a wholesome pairing that balances textures.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a comforting side that perfectly complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide heartiness that contrasts well with the lightness of the salad.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create another vibrant dish that enhances your summer table.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread serves as a great accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making grilled zucchini salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your zucchini and corn before grilling can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance taste.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Grilling for too long can make your zucchini mushy. Keep an eye on them and grill for just 2-3 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.
- Neglecting the dressing: A poorly mixed dressing can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Whisk the ingredients together well before adding them to the salad.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Using wilted arugula or overripe tomatoes can ruin your salad’s appeal. Always choose fresh produce for the best results.
- Not letting it rest: Serving immediately after tossing can cause the salad to become soggy. Allow it to rest for a few minutes after mixing for the flavors to meld without losing texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled zucchini salad in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep any leftover dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Grilled Zucchini Salad
- Freezing is not recommended, as vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.
- If you must freeze, consider storing components separately (e.g., zucchini, corn) without dressing.
- Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating Grilled Zucchini Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread salad on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I serve with grilled zucchini salad?
Grilled zucchini salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues.
Can I use other vegetables in grilled zucchini salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers or eggplant to enhance flavor and texture in your grilled zucchini salad.
How do I make this grilled zucchini salad vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace goat cheese with avocado or omit cheese altogether while maintaining delicious flavors.
How long does it take to prepare grilled zucchini salad?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while grilling takes around another 10 minutes. In total, you can have this delightful salad ready in just 20 minutes!
Final Thoughts
This grilled zucchini salad is not only fresh and vibrant but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various herbs or additional vegetables based on your preferences. Whether served at a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish is sure to impress! Give it a try and savor the delightful flavors of summer!
Grilled Zucchini Salad
Grilled Zucchini Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light weeknight dinner. This salad combines tender, grilled zucchini, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters. The versatility of this salad allows it to shine as either a delightful side or a satisfying main course. With its fresh ingredients and easy preparation, this Grilled Zucchini Salad will impress your guests and brighten up any meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2½ cups corn kernels
- 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups arugula
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F) and brush grates with oil.
- Drizzle olive oil on zucchini slices, season with salt and pepper, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side until tender.
- In a grill pan, toss cherry tomatoes and corn with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill while stirring for about 2-3 minutes until charred.
- In a large salad bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine grilled zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and arugula in the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat and top with crumbled goat cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg