Zippy Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad Recipe for Fresh Meals

Sizzling summer days call for a vibrant garlicky grilled veggie salad that bursts with fresh flavors and colors.

Charred vegetables straight from the grill bring a smoky depth to this mouthwatering dish.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and zesty seasonings.

The combination of crisp vegetables and aromatic garlic creates a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

Grilling intensifies the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them even more irresistible.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a light yet satisfying meal that works perfectly as a side or standalone dish.

This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad Ingredient List

• Zucchini: Tender green veggie that adds freshness and absorbs smoky grill flavors perfectly.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet, offering crunch and vibrant visual appeal to the salad.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, pungent taste and beautiful charred edges when grilled.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, providing rich umami flavor and robust texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps draw out natural vegetable flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the grilled vegetables.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Thyme: Offers delicate, aromatic herbal notes that complement grilled vegetables.
• Rosemary: Introduces pine-like, woodsy flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled produce.

• Garlic: Intense, pungent flavor that creates bold and zesty dressing profile.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness and adds refreshing zing.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that binds ingredients and provides silky texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh, citrusy herb that introduces vibrant green color and light, herbal taste.

Tongs, Grills & Bowls: What You’ll Need

• Grill pan or outdoor grill: Essential for getting those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor on your vegetables.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing the grilled veggies with the zesty dressing.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping vegetables into neat, even pieces.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onion with precision.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the quick and flavorful garlic dressing.
• Large tray: Useful for seasoning and preparing vegetables before grilling.
• Spoons: Great for tossing the salad and ensuring even dressing distribution.

Instructions to Get the Perfect Char

• Veggie Prep

Gather fresh zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion. Clean each vegetable thoroughly and dry completely with a soft towel. Slice vegetables into hearty chunks that will look beautiful on the grill.

• Seasoning Magic

Spread vegetable pieces on a wide tray. Drizzle with fragrant olive oil. Sprinkle herbs and spices generously across the surface to enhance natural flavors.

• Grill Adventure

Heat grill or grill pan until super hot. Arrange vegetable pieces carefully, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook each side until gorgeous char marks appear and vegetables soften slightly.

• Flavor Fusion

Transfer grilled vegetables to a large bowl. Crush fresh garlic and squeeze bright lemon juice. Whisk together a zippy dressing using herb-infused olive oil and chopped cilantro.

• Final Touch

Pour dressing over warm grilled vegetables. Toss gently with large serving spoons until every piece glistens with delicious coating. Serve immediately while vegetables remain warm and inviting.

Flavoring Options for Grilled Veggies

• Swap out or add different vegetables like eggplant, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to create your unique grilled salad blend.
• Toss in grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal with added nutrition and substance.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint to elevate the dressing's flavor profile and add a vibrant, aromatic touch.
• Grill vegetables and prepare dressing up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick and easy meal preparation.

How to Plate This Grilled Salad Just Right

• Serve Over Greens: Spread a bed of fresh mixed salad greens and top with the garlicky grilled vegetables for a nutritious, colorful meal.
• Add Protein Power: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a slice of warm sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the delicious garlicky dressing and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Chill for Meal Prep: Let the salad cool completely and store in an airtight container for a refreshing lunch option that tastes even better the next day.

Refrigeration & Serving Timing Suggestions

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The grilled vegetables maintain their best texture and flavor when consumed within this timeframe.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and prepare dressing a day in advance. Keep the components separate until just before serving to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
• Revive Easily: Gently reheat the salad in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil to refresh the vegetables and restore their original juicy quality.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the vegetables may become watery and lose their delightful grilled texture when thawed.

Vibrant Garlicky Grilled Veggie Salad

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired garlicky grilled veggie salad merges charred summer vegetables with zesty herb dressing. Crisp ingredients create fresh, layered flavors that invite you to savor each garden-fresh bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 to 8 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / ¼ cup) chopped cilantro, or parsley; or both
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) lemon juice
• ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables: Rinse and thoroughly dry zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onion. Halve zucchini and mushrooms, cut bell peppers into substantial wedges, and slice onions into robust rings.
2. Season and Oil: Arrange vegetables on a spacious baking tray, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and crushed rosemary across the vegetables for a flavor-packed seasoning.
3. Grill Technique: Preheat indoor grill pan or outdoor barbecue to 500°F (260°C), ensuring uniform heat distribution. Position vegetable pieces in a single layer to promote optimal caramelization, grilling 3-4 minutes per side. For outdoor grilling, periodically close lid to enhance smoky characteristics and accelerate cooking.
4. Chop and Dress: After grilling, allow vegetables to cool slightly, then chop into consistent bite-sized pieces. Whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, and sea salt to create a vibrant dressing.
5. Final Presentation: Transfer grilled vegetables to a large mixing bowl, pour dressing over top, and gently toss to ensure even coating. Serve warm to maximize flavor complexity and sensory experience.

Notes

• Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Ensure vegetables are completely clean and moisture-free to achieve perfect grilling and prevent steaming.
• Slice Evenly: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and attractive presentation, preventing uneven charring.
• Grill at High Heat: Maintain medium-high temperature around 500°F to create beautiful caramelization and develop deep, smoky flavors.
• Dress Immediately: Pour garlic-herb dressing while vegetables are still warm to help them absorb maximum flavor and enhance overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg