Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad With Citrus Herb Dressing

Name: Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4 ears of shucked corn with silk removed; – 2 zucchini, cut into half-inch rounds; – 1 bunch scallions, trimmed; – 1 jalapeño, with stem removed; – 3 tablespoons olive oil; – Kosher salt, to taste; – Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; – 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese; – One-third cup olive oil; – Juice and zest of 1 lemon; – 2 garlic cloves; – One-quarter cup fresh chives, snipped; – One-quarter cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; – 1 head romaine lettuce, cut into one-inch pieces; – 2 avocados, sliced or diced

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Why You’ll Love This Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad

This grilled corn and zucchini salad is a summer favorite that combines simple ingredients with big flavors, making it perfect for home cooks looking for quick and healthy meals. With just about 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of grilling, you can enjoy a fresh, smoky dish that serves as a light lunch or tasty side. It’s packed with smoky charred corn, tender zucchini, scallions, and jalapeño, all tossed in a creamy feta dressing featuring lemon, garlic, chives, and cilantro, so it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

One of the best things about this grilled corn and zucchini salad is its ease of preparation. Minimal chopping and quick grilling about 8 10 minutes per vegetable over medium-high heat mean it’s ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy parents or working professionals. The recipe adapts easily to different setups, like a grill, grill pan, or even the broiler. This makes grilled corn and zucchini salad a go-to for weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.

It also offers great health benefits, including fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants from the charred zucchini and sweet corn. The light olive oil and lemon-herb dressing keep it moderate in calories while providing heart-healthy fats. As a nutrient-dense option, fresh herbs and citrus dressing grilled corn and zucchini salad can support digestion and immune health, which is why it’s popular among diet-conscious individuals and seniors.

Plus, its versatility stands out for various diets. You can keep it vegetarian or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. For a vegan version, simply swap a few items, making grilled corn and zucchini salad with fresh herbs adaptable for everyone from students to food enthusiasts. The distinctive flavor from charred kernels and bright citrus keeps everyone coming back for more.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad
2. Essential Ingredients for Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad
5. Mastering Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad
8. Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad

4 ears of shucked corn with silk removed
2 zucchini, cut into half-inch rounds
1 bunch scallions, trimmed
1 jalapeño, with stem removed
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
One-third cup olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves
One-quarter cup fresh chives, snipped
One-quarter cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 head romaine lettuce, cut into one-inch pieces
2 avocados, sliced or diced

This list covers everything you need for a fresh and flavorful grilled corn and zucchini salad with citrus dressing. Each item plays a key role, from the smoky corn to the creamy feta. For the best results, select ears of corn with bright green husks and plump kernels, and choose firm, medium-sized zucchini to ensure sweetness and fewer seeds.

How to Prepare the Perfect Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Gathering and Prepping Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready, which takes about 10 minutes. Wash and dry the 4 ears of shucked corn and 2 zucchini, then cut the zucchini into half-inch rounds. Trim the 1 bunch scallions and remove the stem from 1 jalapeño. Measure out 3 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This step, often called mise en place, keeps things organized and prevents overcooking in your grilled corn and zucchini salad.

Heating the Grill

Next, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Brush the corn, zucchini, scallions, and jalapeño with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This preheating ensures a nice char, which brings out the smoky flavors in grilled corn and zucchini salad with fresh herbs.

Grilling the Vegetables

Grill the vegetables, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until they are charred and tender. For the corn, select ears with bright green husks and moist silk; grill over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, for even charring. Once cool, cut the corn kernels off the cob. For the zucchini, choose firm, medium-sized ones and grill for about 4 minutes per side to get those perfect marks while keeping them tender. If you want more ideas, check out this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe on our site for similar grilling tips.

Making the Dressing

After grilling, prepare the dressing by blending 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese, one-third cup olive oil, the charred jalapeño, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 2 garlic cloves until smooth. Fold in one-quarter cup snipped fresh chives and one-quarter cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, adding water as needed for a ranch-like consistency. This dressing adds a creamy, citrusy touch to your grilled corn and zucchini salad.

Combining and Serving

In a large bowl, combine 1 head romaine lettuce cut into one-inch pieces, the corn kernels, sliced zucchini, sliced scallions, and 2 sliced or diced avocados. Toss with half the dressing and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it rest for a few minutes to blend flavors, then serve. Remember, According to health benefits of corn, this dish is full of nutrients like fiber and antioxidants.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad

One of the joys of grilled corn and zucchini salad is how easy it is to tweak for different needs. For protein boosts, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp, which pairs well with the fresh herbs and citrus dressing. You can also use firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegan option, keeping the salad light and adaptable.

Grilled chicken: Slice 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast and grill for added protein.
Shrimp: Marinate and grill for a seafood twist in your corn zucchini salad.
Firm tofu: Grill or sear for a vegan protein that fits right in.

For vegetable swaps, try bell peppers or eggplant to change things up, while sauces like a cilantro-lime dressing can add new flavors. These changes help make grilled corn and zucchini salad with citrus dressing perfect for everyone, from newlyweds to travelers.

Mastering Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

To get the best char on your vegetables, dry them thoroughly before brushing with oil and use a hot grill. For even results, rotate corn often and press zucchini against the grates. This technique enhances the caramelized flavors in grilled corn and zucchini salad. As zucchini benefits explain, zucchini adds vitamins and keeps things healthy.

Try fun variations like a Mediterranean style with olives and cucumber, or a Mexican one with black beans and avocado. For presentation, layer ingredients on a platter and add herbs for appeal. If you’re prepping ahead, store veggies separately and assemble later to keep that fresh grilled corn and zucchini salad taste.

How to Store Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad: Best Practices

After making your grilled corn and zucchini salad, cool it to room temperature within two hours and store in an airtight container. It lasts 2 3 days in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. This way, it stays tasty for leftovers or meal prep.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	2 3 days	Store components separately for freshness
Freezing	Up to 6 months for corn only	Freeze corn kernels; avoid full salad

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Corn And Zucchini Salad

How do I grill zucchini for a salad?

To grill zucchini for a salad, slice the zucchini into ¼-inch thick strips. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Grill the slices for roughly 4 minutes on each side until tender and marked with grill lines but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness. Once grilled, let the zucchini cool before adding it to your salad for the best texture.

What’s the best way to grill corn for salad?

Husk the corn and remove all silk strands before placing it on a preheated grill set to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until the kernels are tender and show light charring. This grilling method enhances the corn’s natural sweetness and adds smokiness, which pairs well in a corn and zucchini salad.

Can I prepare grilled corn and zucchini salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead. Grill the corn and zucchini, let them cool to room temperature, then mix with other ingredients and store it refrigerated in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. However, avoid adding dressings with delicate herbs too early to maintain freshness.

What seasonings work well for grilled corn and zucchini salad?

Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice work great. You can also add fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil for brightness. A sprinkle of chili flakes or smoked paprika adds subtle heat. These seasonings complement the natural flavors without overpowering the grilled vegetables.

Is grilled corn and zucchini salad healthy?

Yes, grilled corn and zucchini salad is a nutritious dish. Zucchini is low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, while corn provides fiber and antioxidants like lutein. Grilling vegetables enhances flavor without adding unhealthy fats. This salad makes a light, vitamin-packed side suitable for balanced meals or vegetarian diets.

Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Fresh Herbs and Citrus Dressing