Tasty Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad

Here’s my go-to grilled zucchini caprese salad recipe that combines fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and perfectly grilled zucchini slices with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil.

This salad has become my summer standby when the garden is overflowing with zucchini and tomatoes. I often make a double batch for cookouts because it disappears so quickly. Plus, it’s just as good served warm or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for busy days.

What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use?

For grilling, you’ll want to look for medium-sized zucchini that are about 6-8 inches long – these tend to have the best texture and fewer seeds than larger ones. When shopping, pick zucchini that feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, blemish-free skin that’s dark green in color. Try to avoid the super large zucchini you might find at the end of summer, as these can be watery and have large, bitter seeds. For this recipe, you can use either regular green zucchini or Mexican grey zucchini, though the common green variety is easier to find and works perfectly well. Just remember to slice them about 1/4 inch thick so they’ll grill evenly without getting mushy.

Options for Substitutions

This fresh summer salad is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps while keeping the spirit of the dish:

• Zucchini: You can swap zucchini with yellow summer squash, grilled eggplant slices, or even grilled bell peppers. Just keep the slices about the same thickness for even cooking.
• Fresh mozzarella: While fresh mozzarella gives the best texture, you could use burrata for extra creaminess, or buffalo mozzarella. If you’re dairy-free, try using sliced avocado instead.
• Fresh basil: Fresh basil is pretty key to the Caprese flavor, but in a pinch, you can use baby arugula or fresh mint – though it will give a different taste profile.
• Balsamic vinegar/glaze: If you don’t have balsamic, try a light drizzle of red wine vinegar mixed with a tiny bit of honey, or just stick with good olive oil and an extra pinch of salt.
• Tomatoes: Any ripe, fresh tomatoes work here – from cherry tomatoes (halved) to heirloom varieties. Just make sure they’re ripe and in season for the best flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Grilling

The biggest challenge when grilling zucchini is getting that perfect char without turning the slices into a mushy mess – the key is to cut your zucchini into even, slightly thicker slices (about 1/4 inch) and pat them completely dry before grilling. A common mistake is overcrowding the grill, which creates steam instead of those beautiful grill marks, so make sure to leave enough space between each slice. To prevent your fresh mozzarella from becoming watery and diluting the salad, wait until the grilled zucchini has cooled to room temperature before assembling, and add the balsamic glaze or vinegar just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. For the best flavor combination, make sure your tomatoes are at room temperature, not straight from the fridge, as cold temperatures can dull their natural sweetness.

What to Serve With Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad?

This fresh and light salad pairs perfectly with grilled proteins like chicken breast, shrimp skewers, or Italian sausage to make it a complete meal. If you’re keeping things vegetarian, serve it alongside a bowl of crusty bread to soak up all those tasty juices from the tomatoes and olive oil – Italian ciabatta or a rustic sourdough would be perfect here. For a casual summer dinner party, I like to serve this salad with a side of orzo or pearl couscous tossed with a little olive oil and herbs. You could also turn this into a lovely lunch by serving it with a cup of chilled gazpacho or a light minestrone soup.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This grilled zucchini caprese salad is best enjoyed right after making it, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 2 days, though the tomatoes might release some liquid and the zucchini may soften a bit.

Make Ahead: If you want to prep this ahead for a party or gathering, you can grill the zucchini up to a day in advance and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, just bring the zucchini to room temperature and assemble your salad with the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Serve: For the best flavor and texture, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it’s been in the fridge. Add the final drizzle of olive oil or balsamic just before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	8-10 minutes
Total Time	18-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into slices
• 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 8 to 10 slices of fresh mozzarella
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A light pour of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or balsamic glaze

Step 1: Grill the Zucchini

Start by heating a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.

Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil.

Place them on the hot grill and cook, flipping once, for 4-5 minutes or until the zucchini is slightly softened and nicely browned.

Once grilled, remove the zucchini slices to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter, arrange the ingredients by layering overlapping slices of tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and mozzarella cheese.

This creates a beautiful and colorful display that highlights each ingredient.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Garnishes

Garnish the arranged salad with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of flavor and color.

Sprinkle the salad with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Drizzle with Dressing

Drizzle the salad with your choice of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and/or balsamic reduction.

The acidity and sweetness from these additions complement the fresh ingredients perfectly.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

For an extra flavor boost, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some minced garlic over the salad.

This will add a refreshing and aromatic touch.

Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this delightful dish!