Imagine a dish that transforms humble zucchini into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Grilled Zucchini Salad with Feta and Sweet Croutons isn't just another side dish – it's a Mediterranean-inspired sensation that combines smoky, charred zucchini, creamy feta, and irresistibly crunchy sweet croutons. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F/204°C).
- Slice zucchinis lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips, ensuring uniform thickness for even grilling.
- Brush zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cut bread into small, roughly 1/2-inch cubes for croutons.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining olive oil with honey to create a sweet glaze for the croutons.
- Toss bread cubes in honey-olive oil mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Spread croutons on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F/190°C for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Grill zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating 45 degrees halfway through to create attractive grill marks.
- Remove grilled zucchini and let rest for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Arrange grilled zucchini on a serving platter, sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese.
- Top with crispy sweet croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil or a light vinaigrette if desired.
Tips
- Slice zucchinis uniformly to ensure even grilling and beautiful presentation
- Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect grill marks without burning
- Let zucchini rest after grilling to enhance flavor and texture
- Toast croutons just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness
- For extra flavor, experiment with herbs like fresh basil or oregano
- Choose a high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic Mediterranean taste
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan works perfectly as an alternative
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm grilled zucchini and crisp croutons
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 23mg
