This salad is an ode to the vibrant produce of the season, celebrating the simplicity of grilling and the richness it brings to the table. Picture the sizzle of zucchini, the sweetness of grilled red peppers, the golden kernels of fresh corn, and the zing of red onion, all coming together in a delightful blend of flavors. Topped with toasted pine nuts and drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this dish is your passport to a summer fiesta that’s both scrumptious and speedy — any time of year!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 2 ears of corn, husked and raw
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the zucchini slices, red pepper halves, and corn on the grill. Grill the zucchini and peppers for about 4-5 minutes per side until char marks appear. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s slightly charred and cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly. Cut the grilled veggies into smaller bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels off the cob.
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, grilled zucchini, grilled red peppers, corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top the salad with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Be careful not to overcook the grilled vegetables; a slight crunch adds great texture. Elevate the salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess if you’d like. You can also toss on some grilled chicken, shrimp, or halloumi for a heartier meal. Serve with crusty bread or your favorite soup and enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
