Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese Recipe

Introduction

This Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Italian salad. Grilled zucchini adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s an easy, light dish that’s perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the zucchini is tender. Remove from the grill and set aside.
4. Step 4: On a serving platter, layer the grilled zucchini slices, tomato slices, and mozzarella slices, alternating and overlapping slightly.
5. Step 5: Top the layered stack with fresh basil leaves.
6. Step 6: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, vibrant caprese.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• You can use a grill pan indoors if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
• For extra flavor, marinate the zucchini in garlic and herbs before grilling.
• Substitute balsamic glaze with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey if you prefer a homemade touch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh basil and mozzarella are best added just before serving to keep the flavors and textures vibrant. Reheating is not recommended as it may soften the vegetables and melt the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Grill the zucchini in advance and store it separately, then assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

What can I use if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

You can make a simple substitute by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens, or drizzle plain balsamic vinegar combined with a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese Recipe

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4.6 from 114 reviews

This Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Featuring tender, smoky grilled zucchini slices layered with juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all finished with a tangy balsamic glaze drizzle. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this recipe brings a deliciously healthy and colorful addition to your meal.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves (about 10-12 leaves)

Dairy

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Other

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (about 2-3 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to sear the zucchini evenly and create nice grill marks.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Brush both sides of the zucchini strips with olive oil, then season them evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors and prevent sticking.
3. Grill the zucchini: Place the zucchini slices on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and let them rest briefly to maintain their texture.
4. Assemble the Caprese stacks: On a serving platter, layer the grilled zucchini slices alternately with tomato and mozzarella slices, overlapping each slightly to create visually appealing stacks.
5. Add fresh basil: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the layered zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella to impart a fragrant herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
6. Drizzle balsamic glaze: Finish by generously drizzling balsamic glaze over the assembled stacks, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that ties all components together.
7. Serve immediately: Present the dish right away for the best contrast between warm grilled zucchini and fresh, cool tomatoes and cheese. Enjoy this light and delightful appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and ripe tomatoes to maximize flavor.
• If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet can be used to achieve similar results.
• Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar until thick or purchased pre-made.
• Serve this dish soon after assembling to prevent the mozzarella from melting too much and the zucchini from becoming soggy.
• This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

Keywords: grilled zucchini, caprese salad, zucchini recipe, Italian appetizer, fresh mozzarella, balsamic glaze, summer salad