Description
This vibrant Grilled Zucchini and Green Bean Salad features charred, tender vegetables tossed with a sweet and tangy balsamic-date dressing. Perfect for a light summer meal or as a flavorful side dish, it combines smoky grilled flavors with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed (1 1/2 pounds pre-trimming)
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced
- 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, sliced
For Grilling
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 8 large dates (deglet noor, about 70 grams)
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to high heat for at least 10 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for grilling the vegetables.
- Toss vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed green beans and sliced zucchini. Add 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Grill vegetables: Place the coated green beans and zucchini directly onto the hot grill, spreading them evenly. Grill for about 10 to 13 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and tender.
- Blend dressing: While the vegetables are grilling, add the balsamic vinegar and dates to a small food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the dates are fully incorporated.
- Emulsify dressing: With the food processor running, slowly stream in 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Season the dressing to taste with salt.
- Assemble salad: Transfer the grilled green beans and zucchini to a large bowl. Add the chopped roma tomatoes, pour over the balsamic-date dressing, and toss everything together until the salad is well coated. Finally, stir in the sliced fresh basil and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the grilled zucchini and green bean salad immediately and enjoy this fresh, smoky, and sweet dish.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables on the grill; they should be tender but still have a slight bite and nice grill marks.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler as alternatives to char the vegetables.
- The balsamic-date dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days for convenience.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds before serving.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: grilled zucchini salad, green bean salad, balsamic date dressing, summer salad, vegetarian salad, grilled vegetables
