Griddled Courgette Salad

Griddled courgette salad is the perfect dish for warm, sunny days when you want something light yet full of flavor. This vibrant salad combines the smokiness of charred courgette with the brightness of fresh tomatoes, the creaminess of feta, and the tang of balsamic vinegar. It’s an easy, refreshing salad that will instantly elevate any meal.

Behind the Recipe

This griddled courgette salad brings together the magic of fresh, seasonal vegetables with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The courgette is griddled to perfection, creating those perfect grill marks that enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetable. Pair it with feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette, and you’ve got yourself a salad that’s both delicious and visually appealing. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a lazy afternoon when you need something easy, but you still want to impress.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Courgette, also known as zucchini in many parts of the world, is a vegetable that has Mediterranean roots, particularly in Italy. The light, mild flavor of courgette makes it a popular choice in salads, grilled dishes, and even pasta recipes. The combination of griddled courgette and fresh salad ingredients is a classic Mediterranean-style dish that captures the essence of fresh summer produce.

Why You’ll Love Griddled Courgette Salad

This griddled courgette salad has everything you need to love it flavor, texture, and versatility. It’s the perfect dish for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a potluck dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Versatile: Perfect as a side or main dish, you can adjust it with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Budget-Friendly: It uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: You can make it in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Swap the feta for goat cheese, or add more herbs depending on your preference.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its colorful presentation and delicious taste make it a hit with guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare the components ahead of time.
Great for Leftovers: This salad tastes just as great the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overcook the courgettes: Aim for a slight char without letting them turn mushy.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or mint can really elevate the salad’s flavor.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes: This helps the flavors meld together.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: For perfectly charred courgettes.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing vegetables and cutting the feta.
• Large Bowl: For tossing the salad together.

Ingredients in Griddled Courgette Salad

This griddled courgette salad is a beautiful harmony of fresh, light, and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Courgette: 2 medium, sliced into rounds or half-moons
   Adds a delicate, mild flavor and a satisfying texture when grilled.
2. Cherry Tomatoes: 10-12, halved
   Brings a burst of juiciness and sweetness to balance the grilled vegetables.
3. Red Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
   Offers a mild sharpness and crunch to the salad.
4. Feta Cheese: 100g, crumbled
   Adds creaminess and saltiness, enhancing the flavors.
5. Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
   Used to grill the courgettes and for the dressing.
6. Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tbsp
   Provides a tangy depth to the dish.
7. Fresh Basil: A handful, roughly chopped
   Adds a fragrant, fresh note to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Courgette: Zucchini
• Feta Cheese: Goat cheese or vegan feta for a dairy-free option
• Balsamic Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different tang

Ingredient Spotlight

Courgette: A member of the squash family, courgettes have a mild, slightly sweet taste that becomes even more enhanced when grilled. The texture is firm, making it ideal for grilling without falling apart.

Feta Cheese: Feta is a brined cheese that brings a tangy and salty flavor to the dish. Its crumbly texture contrasts beautifully with the soft courgettes and juicy tomatoes.

Instructions for Making Griddled Courgette Salad

Making this griddled courgette salad is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Drizzle the courgette slices with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Once the grill pan is hot, place the courgette slices in a single layer. Grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks and they’re tender.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In a large bowl, combine the grilled courgettes, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled feta.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Toss the ingredients together gently, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for added color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the salad immediately, or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing cold salad.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The texture of the griddled courgettes, with their slightly crispy exterior and tender interior, complements the fresh burst of juiciness from the tomatoes. The feta cheese adds a creamy richness, while the balsamic vinegar adds just the right amount of tang to bring the whole salad together. The fresh basil adds a final pop of fragrance that ties everything together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the courgettes enough space to grill properly and get those perfect char marks.
• Grill the courgettes in batches: This ensures even grilling without steaming the vegetables.
• Use a high-quality olive oil: The olive oil is a key ingredient in the dressing, so use a good one for the best flavor.

What to Avoid

• Overcooking the courgettes: Grilled courgettes should be tender but not mushy.
• Not seasoning enough: Don’t skip the salt and pepper seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the courgettes and dressing in advance. Store the components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Griddled Courgette Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. It’s also perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or picnics. Add a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover griddled courgette salad can be transformed into a delicious sandwich filling or tossed into pasta for an easy, hearty meal the next day. You can also top it with a poached egg for a simple breakfast.

Additional Tips

• Flavor boost: Add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Seasonal twist: Try adding some roasted bell peppers or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.

Make It a Showstopper

For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a large rustic bowl with a few extra sprigs of fresh basil and a drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar.

Variations to Try

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version.
• Substitute the feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different creaminess.
• Add some roasted pumpkin or squash for an autumn twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use zucchini instead of courgette?
A1: Yes, zucchini works just as well in this salad, offering the same mild flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prep the components in advance, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh.

Q3: Can I substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free option?
A3: Yes, you can use a vegan feta or other dairy-free cheeses in place of traditional feta.

Q4: How can I store leftovers?
A4: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It can be eaten cold or at room temperature.

Q5: Can I use a different dressing?
A5: Yes, a lemon vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing would also work well with this salad.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, this griddled courgette salad is naturally gluten-free.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
A7: Feel free to add more seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even roasted carrots.

Q8: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A8: While homemade dressing is recommended, you can use store-bought if you’re in a hurry.

Q9: How can I make this salad spicier?
A9: Add some chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili for a kick of heat.

Q10: Can I use frozen courgettes?
A10: It’s best to use fresh courgettes for grilling, as frozen ones may not have the same texture after being thawed.

Conclusion

Griddled courgette salad is simple, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. With the smoky courgette, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be craving it all summer long. Enjoy!

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