A fresh twist on summery Caprese salad with grilled zucchini and a balsamic reduction drizzle. Colorful, healthy, quick, and easy. Serve alongside your favorite grilled meats and fish!

Contents

Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad: Your Essential Summer Recipe

Summer in full swing brings a unique rhythm of life, especially in vibrant cities like Austin. From managing the humid frizz to finding solace with your head in the freezer, these are the little battles we fight daily. Yet, these challenges are beautifully balanced by the pure bliss of summer’s rewards: a refreshing dip in a cool swimming pool, the gentle sway of an acoustic concert under the stars, or simply unwinding on a breezy patio with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.

But for many food enthusiasts, the true highlight of this sweltering season lies in its culinary offerings. Summer is synonymous with simple, seasonal cooking, where the freshest produce takes center stage. It’s about celebrating nature’s bounty, creating dishes that are as light and refreshing as they are flavorful. And when it comes to capturing the essence of summer on a plate, few dishes rival the iconic Caprese salad – especially when given a delightful grilled twist.

Why This Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad is a Summer Essential

The traditional Caprese salad, with its vibrant layers of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, is already a masterpiece of simplicity. It’s a dish that evokes images of sun-drenched Italian coasts and leisurely al fresco dining. However, by introducing tender, smoky grilled zucchini, we elevate this classic to new heights. This addition not only boosts the nutritional value but also introduces a fantastic textural contrast and a subtle char that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella perfectly.

Initially, I admit, the thought of deep-frying zucchini, perhaps in a crispy panko crust, danced in my head. The allure of indulgence is often strong! But a quick glance at my pool-lounging attire served as a gentle reminder to lean towards healthier options. And oh, what a delicious decision that turned out to be! Grilling the zucchini transforms it, bringing out its natural sweetness and adding a delightful smokiness without any of the guilt. This method keeps the dish light, making it an ideal choice for maintaining that summer glow and energy.

The Magic of Caprese: A Canvas for Flavor

Caprese salad is more than just a dish; it’s a summertime love affair. Its clean, fresh flavors make it a constant craving. But even the best relationships benefit from a little spontaneity. That’s why I love to experiment with Caprese, adding new dimensions and textures to keep things exciting. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that invites creativity. Over the years, I’ve incorporated various vegetables to enhance its appeal and nutritional profile, from crispy eggplant and refreshing cucumber to creamy avocado. Each addition brings its own unique character, yet the core Caprese essence remains, harmoniously blending with the new flavors.

And what truly binds these fresh ingredients together is the simple yet profound dressing: a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a tangy splash of balsamic vinegar (or, for an extra touch of gourmet, a rich balsamic reduction), fresh basil leaves, flaky sea salt, and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper. These fundamental seasonings are truly all you need to make the flavors sing. There is, quite frankly, nothing better than this vibrant combination when the sun is high and the days are long.

My latest fascination involved integrating zucchini, my second favorite summer vegetable, into this beloved salad. The result was nothing short of a match made in heaven. It’s astonishing how these humble ingredients, with minimal seasoning, can produce such an explosion of fresh, bright flavors. The grilled zucchini adds an earthy depth that beautifully complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creamy tang of the mozzarella.

The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients for Perfect Caprese

The success of any Caprese salad, especially our grilled zucchini version, hinges entirely on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that harmonious balance of flavors and textures that defines this dish.

Zucchini: Opt for firm, small to medium-sized zucchini, as larger ones can be watery and less flavorful. Grilling them brings out a delightful sweetness and a pleasant smoky char. Slice them uniformly for even cooking.
Tomatoes: This is where summer truly shines. Choose ripe, fragrant, and vibrant red tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or even sweet cherry tomatoes halved can work wonderfully. The juicier and sweeter the tomato, the better your salad will taste.
Fresh Mozzarella: The key here is “fresh.” Look for fresh mozzarella balls packed in water, often labeled “bocconcini” (small balls) or larger logs that you can slice. Its creamy, milky texture is essential to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the zucchini. Avoid the rubbery, low-moisture mozzarella used for pizzas.
Fresh Basil: Aromatic, vibrant green basil leaves are non-negotiable. Their peppery, slightly sweet, and anise-like flavor is the heart of Caprese. Tear them gently or leave them whole for garnish; avoid chopping, which can bruise the leaves and diminish their aroma.
High-Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil is crucial. It shouldn’t just be a lubricant; it should add its own fruity, slightly peppery notes to the salad.
Balsamic Vinegar/Reduction: While a good quality balsamic vinegar works well, a balsamic reduction (simmered until thick and syrupy) adds a luxurious sweetness and tang that clings beautifully to the ingredients. It’s worth the extra few minutes of simmering to achieve this gourmet touch.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings are all that’s needed to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. Flaky sea salt adds a delightful crunch.

Mastering the Grill: Zucchini Perfection

Grilling zucchini is incredibly simple, yet it makes a world of difference to the final salad. The gentle char and tender texture that grilling imparts truly elevate the dish. Here’s how to achieve zucchini perfection:

Preparation: Wash and trim the ends of your zucchini. Slice them into approximately 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds or lengthwise planks. Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
Seasoning: Lightly brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also helps in achieving a beautiful golden-brown char. Season simply with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Grill Heat: Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create grill marks quickly without overcooking the zucchini into mush.
Grilling: Place the zucchini slices on the hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly softened, tender-crisp, and have visible grill marks. Be careful not to overcrowd the grill, as this can steam the zucchini instead of grilling it. Work in batches if necessary.
Rest: Once grilled, remove the zucchini to a plate. It’s ready to be incorporated into your salad.

No grill? No problem! You can achieve a similar result by roasting the zucchini in a hot oven (around 400°F/200°C) for 10-15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, or by using a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat to get a good sear.

Versatility at Its Best: Serving and Variations

The beauty of this Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad lies in its incredible versatility. It can be served in myriad ways, adapting to any occasion or craving. As a standalone vegetarian meal, it’s satisfyingly light yet filling, packed with nutrients and fresh flavors. For a more substantial offering, it makes an exquisite accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork tenderloin, or alongside delicate grilled fish like salmon or snapper. The fresh, tangy notes of the salad provide a perfect counterpoint to richer proteins.

Want to brighten the flavors even further? Consider adding a few slices of delicate prosciutto for a savory, salty kick, or fresh slices of sweet melon for an unexpected burst of juiciness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, and minced garlic infuses a wonderful aromatic depth. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a subtle warmth.

Beyond the ingredients, you can get creative with the presentation. For an easy yet elegant touch, layer the zucchini, tomatoes, and mozzarella in an alternating pattern on a large platter. Or, if you’re feeling “fancy pants,” stack them artfully into individual towers for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For a casual gathering, consider skewering the grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and small mozzarella balls for an easy-to-eat appetizer. However you choose to dish it up, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Grilled Zucchini Caprese Salad

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 medium zucchini, sliced (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
3-4 medium tomatoes, sliced (or a mix of larger tomatoes and cherry tomatoes)
8-10 slices fresh mozzarella (or small fresh mozzarella balls/bocconcini)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or gently torn
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and/or balsamic reduction, to taste

Instructions

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place them on the hot grill and cook, flipping once, for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly softened and beautifully browned with grill marks. Remove the grilled zucchini to a plate.
On a large platter or individual plates, artfully arrange overlapping sliced tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and fresh mozzarella. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves.
Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Finally, drizzle the salad with a touch more extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and/or a rich balsamic reduction for that perfect finish.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and/or a sprinkle of minced garlic over the salad before serving. These additions are particularly delicious!
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer!

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see your creation! Please share a photo on your favorite social media channel and tag us, or leave a comment on our blog.