Grilled zucchini in a salad makes more sense than raw. The heat collapses the flesh, adds char at the edges, and turns a vegetable that can taste watery and flat into something worth eating on its own. This salad builds on that: grilled zucchini ribbons with a lemon dressing, fresh herbs, and whatever grain you have around. It holds up overnight.
The pomegranate seeds do what watermelon would have done: a burst of sweet-tart juice in each bite against the earthy quinoa and the charred zucchini. The feta crumbles into everything and the lemon pulls it together.
Tips for Making This Grain and Vegetable Salad
Cook the quinoa and let it cool
Fifty grams of quinoa in water according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature before combining with the other ingredients.
Warm quinoa wilts the lettuce. Cool it completely.
Grill the zucchini until charred
Slice lengthwise and grill over medium-high heat until you see dark marks and the flesh is tender. Three to four minutes per side.
Let it cool slightly before cutting into pieces and adding to the salad.
Grilled Zucchini Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 salad
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and healthy salad featuring juicy watermelon, grilled zucchini, and a mix of fresh ingredients for a delightful summer dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 50g (1.7 ounces) organic quinoa
- 50g (1.7 ounces) feta cheese
- Quarter of a lemon
- Head of little gem lettuce
- One pomegranate
- 40g (1.4 ounces) cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Grill the zucchini until tender and slightly charred.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine grilled zucchini, cooked quinoa, feta cheese, lemon juice, lettuce, pomegranate seeds, and cherry tomatoes.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the watermelon?
The recipe title mentions watermelon but the ingredient list does not include it. The pomegranate seeds fill a similar role: sweet, juicy, and bright. Add cubed watermelon if you like.
Can I use a different grain?
Couscous, bulgur, or farro all work. Quinoa is the lightest option and cooks the fastest.
What kind of lettuce?
Little gem lettuce, which is small, crisp, and slightly sweet. Butter lettuce or the inner leaves of romaine are substitutes.
