Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad

Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Delight

Summertime calls for light, refreshing meals that celebrate the bounty of the season. My Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad is a colorful, vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables, grilled to perfection, and dressed in a zesty garlic dressing that ties all the flavors together. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking for a nutritious side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 to 3 large green zucchini
• 2 to 3 large yellow zucchini
• 2 large sweet bell peppers
• 1 large red onion
• 10 to 12 large mushrooms
• 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dry rosemary

For the Garlic Dressing:

• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6 to 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley, or both
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preparing the Veggies:
   • Start by washing your vegetables thoroughly and patting them dry.
   • Cut the zucchini and mushrooms in half, slice the bell peppers into large chunks, and cut the red onion into thick rings.
   • Arrange the vegetables on a tray and brush them with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Grilling:
   • Preheat your grill. If using an indoor grill pan, set it to medium-high heat. For outdoor grills, preheat to 500°F (260°C).
   • Place the vegetables in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Note that green zucchini may take about 5 minutes per side. For a quicker cooking time, close the grill if using an outdoor setup.
   • Once nicely charred and tender, remove the vegetables from the grill and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Making the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro (or parsley), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
   • Pour this fragrant dressing over the grilled vegetables and toss everything together until well coated.

Serving:

Enjoy this Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad warm, perhaps accompanied by a chilled glass of your favorite white wine or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect dish for entertaining guests.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 200 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6

This salad offers a perfect way to utilize the season’s best produce, providing a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether it’s part of a larger meal or a simple standalone dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!