Colorful green and yellow summer squash (courgettes) and sweet peppers make this an eye pleasing dish. The combination of the smoky grilled vegetables combined with salty, tangy feta and a well-balanced dressing. This is one of my most favorite summer side dishes and you are going to love this! This grilled zucchini recipe is a culinary journey to the Mediterranean. Fresh, colorful, and visually stunning, it embodies the same principles as my Tomato Carpaccio. Enjoy it warm as a side dish or on a bed of arugula/rocket as a hearty zucchini salad. It makes for a pretty presentation when you display the dish on a white, round serving platter.
Grilling Summer Squash/Courgettes
They are one of my favorite vegetables to grill and cook very quickly. They’re ready when they have their distinct grill marks. To make this easier to eat, I like bite-size pieces cut into ¼-inch/½-cm thick slices. Any thinner and they will not hold their shape / stay intact after all the moisture is cooked out. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, or the weather is not great, you can use an indoor grill pan. Along with the zucchini, I love the added sweetness from the mini sweet peppers that are in season in the summer. To highlight the natural flavors of these summer stars, I keep the preparation simple. A quick brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper is all it takes. You can also use herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, they choice is yours. Important tip: Stick with dried herbs for grilling, as fresh herbs tend to burn easily on the hot grates.
Feta Cheese
The feta is the best choice for this dish. It adds a tangy, slightly salty element that words so well with the smoky grilled vegetables and dressing.
Topping Options
This recipe is very customizable. While salty feta cheese is my classic choice, feel free to explore other toppings to create your perfect plate:
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh mint or fresh basil adds a burst of invigorating fragrance and a touch of coolness. Sharp and Sweet: Thinly sliced red onion offers a delightful bite and a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the grilled vegetables. A Nutty Twist: Swap the feta for Parmesan cheese for a saltier and nuttier flavor profile.
Grilled Zucchini Mediterranean-Inspired Dressing
The dressing is so simple and very Mediterranean. It’s my go-to Dijon vinaigrette that I use for everything from simple salads to my Grilled Shrimp Cobb. For this recipe, I like to use apple cider vinegar in the dressing. Its subtle apple notes and touch of sweetness complement the grilled vegetables beautifully. However, feel free to use any other light-colored vinegar you prefer, such as white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar. Important note: Balsamic vinegar’s strong flavor profile dark color will not work for this dressing. If you’ve made this Grilled Zucchini and Peppers with Feta, please leave a star rating in the recipe card, you can also leave a comment or question below.
