Description
This Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad is a summer essential—packed with smoky grilled vegetables, creamy feta dressing, and fresh herbs. It’s vibrant, healthy, and satisfying enough to stand on its own or work as a flavorful side dish for your next barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears of corn (shucked): Fresh, sweet corn gives the salad its signature texture and flavor.
- 2 zucchini (cut into 1/2 inch rounds): Adds color and soaks up delicious grill flavor.
- 1 bunch scallions (trimmed): Offers a mild onion flavor that grills beautifully.
- 1 jalapeño (stem removed): Adds a spicy kick—adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: For brushing veggies before grilling.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season veggies before grilling.
- 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled): The base of the creamy dressing—tangy and rich.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: For the dressing base.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Brightens and balances the flavors in the dressing.
- 2 cloves garlic: Adds richness and depth to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup fresh chives (snipped): For herbal freshness and color.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped): A crisp, crunchy base.
- 2 ripe avocados (sliced or diced): Creamy and healthy, they balance the salad perfectly.
Optional Add-Ons
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- Radishes: For a crisp, peppery bite.
- Tortilla strips: Adds crunch and contrast.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- No grill? Use a grill pan or roast vegetables at 425°F until lightly charred.
- Dairy-free: Use a vegan feta or omit cheese and adjust seasoning.
- Time-saving tip: Buy pre-cut or pre-grilled vegetables when available.
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Brush and Season: Lightly brush corn, zucchini, scallions, and jalapeño with 3 tbsp olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Grill Veggies: Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Chop and Slice: Cut corn kernels off the cob. Slice zucchini and scallions into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Make Dressing: In a blender, combine 4 oz feta, 1/3 cup olive oil, grilled jalapeño, lemon zest and juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth. Thin with water if needed for pourable consistency.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, grilled corn, zucchini, scallions, and avocado. Add fresh chives and cilantro. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more dressing if desired. Garnish with optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, radishes, or tortilla strips.
Notes
- Meal Prep Tip: You can grill the veggies a day in advance and store them in the fridge.
- Storage: Keep dressing and chopped veggies separate if making ahead. Combine just before serving.
- Spice Level: For extra heat, leave seeds in the jalapeño or add a second one!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: grilled corn zucchini salad, summer corn salad, feta herb salad, avocado salad with grilled vegetables, gluten-free grilled salad, healthy summer side dish