There’s something absolutely magical about a fresh salad on a warm summer day, and my Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad is just that! This vibrant dish bursts with the flavors of the Mediterranean, showcasing tender zucchini ribbons that have been kissed by the grill. I remember the first time I made this salad for a family gathering; the sun was shining, and laughter filled the air as everyone enjoyed the bright colors and fresh tastes. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues or a light lunch, and you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! Trust me, once you taste those smoky, grilled ribbons tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant herbs, you’ll be hooked. It’s a summer staple that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

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Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad

To create my mouthwatering Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 medium zucchini, sliced into ribbons using a mandoline for that perfect, delicate texture.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved to add a juicy pop of sweetness.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped to bring a fragrant, aromatic touch.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, adding a refreshing green note to the salad.

For the vinaigrette, gather:

3 tablespoons olive oil, preferably extra virgin for a rich flavor.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar to provide that tangy sweetness.
1 teaspoon honey, which perfectly balances the acidity.
1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for just a hint of spice.

These simple, fresh ingredients create a vibrant and healthy salad that’s perfect for any occasion!

How to Prepare Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad

Preparing my Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! Let’s dive into the steps that will have you enjoying this refreshing dish in no time.

Prepping the Zucchini

First things first, grab your mandoline! This handy tool is perfect for slicing zucchini into beautiful, thin ribbons. Set the blade to your desired thickness—about 1/8 inch works great. As you slice, be sure to use the hand guard for safety; we don’t want any kitchen mishaps! Freshly sliced zucchini ribbons bring a lovely texture to the salad, so take your time and enjoy the process!

Grilling the Zucchini Ribbons

Now it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat, which is crucial for getting those lovely grill marks. Once hot, place the zucchini ribbons directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they become tender and have those gorgeous charred lines. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be perfectly cooked without turning mushy. The smoky flavor from grilling adds a delightful depth to the salad!

Mixing the Ingredients

After grilling, let the zucchini ribbons cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the grilled zucchini with the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and parsley. In a separate small bowl, whisk together your vinaigrette ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined. You’ll want every bite to be bursting with flavor, so mix it up well!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

My Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad is a total game-changer, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of grilling, you can whip up this salad in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
Fresh Flavors: The combination of grilled zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a vibrant explosion of taste that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this salad is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Versatility: Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, a light appetizer, or even toss in some protein to make it a complete meal!

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this salad on repeat!

Tips for Success

To make your Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad truly shine, here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve picked up along the way:

Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. They have the best flavor and texture for grilling. Avoid oversized ones, as they can be watery.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give those zucchini ribbons room to breathe! If they’re too crowded, they won’t get those beautiful grill marks and may steam instead of grill.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand. Fresh mint or dill can add a unique twist to the salad!
Make It Your Own: Want to add some crunch? Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture. You can also substitute the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a zesty kick!

These little tweaks can elevate your salad to the next level, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying my Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad, you can feel good about the nutritional benefits it brings! This salad is light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious eaters. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 150
Fat: 13g (of which saturated fat is 2g)
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 500mg
Vitamin A: 500 IU
Vitamin C: 30mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1mg

These values are approximate, of course, as they can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But it’s clear this salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh veggies while keeping your meal light and nutritious!

FAQ Section

If you’re curious about my Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common questions I often get:

Can I use other vegetables in this salad? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other grilled veggies like bell peppers or asparagus for added flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How long can I store leftovers? You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember that the zucchini may become a bit softer as it sits.
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Definitely! You can grill the zucchini and prepare the other ingredients ahead of time. Just combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What’s a good protein to add for a complete meal? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work wonderfully. Just toss them in with the salad ingredients, and you’ve got a filling, balanced meal!

I hope this clears up any questions you might have! Enjoy making this delightful salad!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with any leftover Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad, don’t worry—storing it is super simple! Just transfer the salad to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the zucchini may get a bit softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!

As for reheating, I recommend enjoying this salad cold for the best taste, but if you prefer it warm, you can gently heat it in a skillet over low heat for just a minute or two. Be careful not to overdo it, as you want to keep those ribbons tender without turning them mushy. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first serving!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out my Pinterest page!