There’s something magical about summer vegetables hitting a hot grill the smoky char, the tender bite, the burst of natural sweetness. This Grilled Zucchini Salad is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate. Imagine ribbons of zucchini kissed by the grill, drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, and crowned with delicate shavings of Parmesan. It’s fresh, vibrant, and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough to whip up for lunch on a Tuesday. Trust me, you’re going to love this one it’s a game-changer for how you think about salads.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette & Parmesan Shavings

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Every bite is a balance of smoky, tangy, and savory, with that satisfying crunch-meets-tenderness texture. It’s quick, beautiful, and tastes like you put way more effort into it than you actually did.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Slice your zucchini evenly so it grills uniformly.
• Get your grill pan or outdoor grill hot before adding the zucchini this helps those gorgeous grill marks appear.
• Use a vegetable peeler for Parmesan shavings instead of grating it adds elegance and texture.

Ingredients

1. 4 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin ribbons

2. 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)

3. 1 lemon, juiced and zested

4. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

5. 1 clove garlic, minced

6. 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

7. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8. 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved

9. Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

2. Brush zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Grill zucchini for 2–3 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred. Remove and let cool slightly.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.

5. Arrange grilled zucchini ribbons on a serving platter.

6. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette, sprinkle with Parmesan shavings, and garnish with fresh basil.

7. Serve immediately while zucchini is slightly warm or at room temperature.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The beauty of this recipe lies in its texture tender zucchini with light grill marks, crisp edges here and there, creamy pops from the Parmesan, and a bright citrusy dressing that ties it all together.

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette & Parmesan Shavings

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or crusty bread. It’s perfect as a starter or as a side to a summer barbecue spread.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Toss leftover zucchini into pasta with extra vinaigrette.
• Use it as a pizza topping with mozzarella and basil.
• Chop it up and fold into omelets or frittatas.

Additional Tips

• If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well.
• Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.

Make It a Showstopper (Presentation Ideas)

• Layer zucchini ribbons in a spiral on a white platter for a modern look.
• Serve with a small bowl of vinaigrette on the side for extra drizzle power.
• Scatter edible flowers for a gourmet touch.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but grill the zucchini and make the vinaigrette separately, then assemble before serving.

2. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! It adds color and a slightly different flavor.

3. What’s the best substitute for Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano works great, or use vegan cheese for dairy-free.

4. How do I keep zucchini from getting soggy?

Don’t overcook it just a few minutes per side is perfect.

5. Can I serve it cold?

Yes, but it’s best at room temperature.

6. What protein pairs well with this?

Grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp are fantastic options.

7. Can I roast the zucchini instead?

Yes, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor from grilling.

8. How long will leftovers last?

Up to 2 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

9. Is this gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

10. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely grilled bell peppers or asparagus work beautifully.

Conclusion

Grilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette & Parmesan Shavings is proof that simple ingredients can create a dish that’s light, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a summer dinner party or a solo lunch, this recipe brings sunshine to the table every single time

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