Grilled Vegetable and Mozzarella Salad: A Summer Delight

When the sun is shining high and the summer breeze whispers through the leaves, there’s nothing more inviting than a dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. Today, I’ll guide you through the discovery of a culinary delight that combines taste and simplicity: a salad where grilled vegetables harmoniously dance with the softness of mozzarella.

I still remember when my grandma used to prepare this dish on warm summer evenings; the scent of the grilled vegetables mixed with the aroma of fresh basil, creating an unforgettable memory. Every bite was a celebration of garden flavors, with a touch of creaminess from the mozzarella delicately melting under the heat of the just-grilled vegetables.

I invite you to follow this recipe step by step, letting yourself be guided by detailed instructions to achieve a flawless result. And if you want to add a crunchy note to your dish, consider adding toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to complete the sensory experience. Get ready to receive compliments from your guests with this healthy and delicious side dish!

Recipe Notes

• EASE: This dish is a breeze to whip up, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• PROS: A light and flavorful salad, perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course.
• CONS: Requires the use of a grill for cooking the vegetables.
• PREPARATION: Quick cooking and simple assembly.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with protein.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Mozerella: adds creaminess and protein to the dish
• Eggplant and Courgette: rich in fiber and antioxidants
• Tomatoes: provide vitamins and a touch of freshness
• Fresh Basil: lends a fresh, Mediterranean aroma to the salad
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: healthy and rich in good fats for the heart
• Salt and Black Pepper: to adjust the flavor of the grilled vegetables

Nutritional Benefits

Let’s discover the benefits of this flavorful and healthy salad:

• Rich in fiber thanks to grilled eggplants and zucchinis.
• A good source of calcium from the fresh mozzarella.
• Provides lycopene from ripe tomatoes, great for your skin.
• Extra virgin olive oil for beneficial monounsaturated fats.
• Low in calories, perfect for a balanced diet.
• The basil adds an aromatic touch and antioxidant properties.

Recipe Grilled Vegetable Salad with Mozzarella

Grilled vegetable salad with mozzarella: a healthy and delicious side dish perfect to accompany your meals. Grilled vegetables are topped with mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy and flavorful twist.

Servings 4

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 Mozzarella Mozzarella
• 1 Eggplant Eggplant
• 2 Zucchini Zucchini
• 2 Tomatoes Tomato
• Basil to taste Basil Fresh
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olive oil Extra virgin
• Salt to taste Salt
• Black Pepper to taste Black pepper

Instructions

• Start by thoroughly washing the vegetables.
• Cut the eggplant and zucchini into slices of about half a centimeter for even and quick cooking.
• Heat a grill over medium-high heat and cook the eggplant and zucchini slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and tender.
• Slice the tomatoes and the mozzarella into thin slices.
• Arrange the vegetables on a serving plate, creating a colorful bed.
• Place the mozzarella slices on top of the vegetables so that the heat from the vegetables can start to melt it slightly.
• Season the salad with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
• Carefully drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad to enhance the flavors.
• Finish the dish by sprinkling finely chopped fresh basil over your salad to add an aromatic touch.

Notes

To add a crunchy touch to your salad, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts at the time of serving. This will not only add texture but also a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of grilled vegetables and the creaminess of mozzarella.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 250kcal

Course: Salads

Keyword: Black Pepper, Eggplant, Extra-virgin Olive Oil, Flavorful recipe, Fresh basil, Grilled vegetable salad, Healthy recipe, Mozzarella, Salt, Side Dish, Toasted pine nuts, Tomatoes, Walnut crumble, Zucchini

Variations of Grilled Vegetable Salad with Mozzarella

Make this recipe your own with these variations:

• Add some Taggiasca olives or capers for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Swap out the mozzarella for goat cheese for a stronger variation.
• For a protein-packed version, add some slices of prosciutto or speck.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Vegetable Salad with Mozzarella

Here are some common questions about making the grilled vegetable salad with mozzarella.

How can I make the salad more crunchy?

To add an extra crunch and rich flavor, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts when serving.

Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?

Yes, you can swap out the mozzarella for cheeses like smoked scamorza or provolone for a different twist.

Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?

Absolutely! You can grill the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until it’s time to put the salad together.