Grilled Courgettes with Dill Dressing

Indulge in the flavours of summer with this delightful dish: Grilled courgettes with dill dressing. These courgettes are expertly charred to perfection, rendering them tender and delicious. Crowned with crumbly feta cheese, a luscious dill dressing, and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and pistachios, this dish is nothing short of irresistible. Crafting this simple salad is effortless, making it an ideal addition to any summer cookout.

During summer gatherings, salads and side dishes often steal the spotlight. While grilled meats and fish are undeniably scrumptious, dishes composed of fresh vegetables such as corn, beetroots, tomatoes, and cucumbers hold an irresistible allure. Incorporate peppery arugula and creamy, savoury cheeses like feta or goat’s cheese, and you’ll have side dishes that will leave your guests swooning.

I could savour courgettes in countless ways, but this wholesome grilled courgette salad stands out as an exceptionally delectable option. In my culinary world, there’s no such thing as too many courgettes. However, if you don’t share my courgette enthusiasm, you might be seeking inventive ways to make the most of this versatile vegetable. Once again, this grilled courgette salad recipe comes to the rescue.

As we are in the final stretch of warm weather, rather than opting for a raw courgette salad, I relish the idea of grilling these green/yellow gems to enhance their flavour and unlock their inherent sweetness. Courgettes are inherently juicy yet maintain their shape beautifully, making them the perfect candidates for grilling. Simply slice or dice them, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and season with your preferred spices, salt, and pepper – that’s all you need. I’ve concocted a simple yet creamy dill dressing, but feel free to use any salad dressing that tickles your taste buds.

Why you will love these Grilled Courgettes with Dill Dressing Recipe??

1. Summer in Every Bite: This dish encapsulates the essence of summer with its fresh, seasonal ingredients. The grilled courgettes and the dill dressing burst with flavours that evoke warm, sunny days.
2. Effortless Preparation: Creating this dish is a cinch. Grilling the courgettes is straightforward, and the dill dressing is a breeze to make. It’s a recipe that ensures delicious results without the hassle.
3. Versatile Accompaniment: Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a formal dinner, this salad/side dish is a versatile companion to a variety of main courses. Its adaptability makes it a reliable choice for any occasion.
4. Health Meets Taste: Beyond its delightful taste, this dish is a healthy option. Grilled courgettes are nutritious and low in calories, offering a guilt-free culinary experience that satisfies both your taste buds and your well-being.

Ingredients Used to Make Grilled Courgettes with Dill Dressing

1. Courgettes or Yellow Summer Squash: The star of the show, these fresh courgettes or yellow summer squashes provide a crisp and tender base for your salad.
2. Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element to the salad. If you prefer, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a slightly different flavour profile.
3. Herbs: Elevate the salad with an assortment of fresh herbs. Basil, coriander/cilantro, dill, chives, or parsley are excellent choices, each infusing its unique aromatic character into the dish.
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances the overall flavour but also adds a touch of richness to the salad.
5. Spices: Cumin powder, sumac and Aleppo chilli flakes are all powerhouse spices, renowned for their earthy, warm, and slightly nutty taste. They add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from savoury to spicy and everything in between.
6. Fresh Lemon Juice: The bright and zesty notes of fresh lemon juice provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the other ingredients.
7. Chopped Pistachios: To add the crunch

For the Creamy Dill Dressing

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides a bright and zesty acidity. It’s a common ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
• Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener and is used as a healthier alternative to sugar or honey.
• Tahini: Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a rich, nutty flavour and a creamy texture, making it a key ingredient in dishes like hummus and salad dressings.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yoghurt, with a tangy flavour.
• Garlic: Adds an aromatic flavour to the dressing.
• White Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar has a milder and slightly fruity taste compared to other vinegars. It’s commonly used in salad dressings, marinades, and pickling, adding a gentle acidity and flavour enhancement.
• Mustard Powder: Mustard powder is made from ground mustard seeds and imparts a pungent and tangy flavour.

How to make Grilled Courgette salad

1. Prepare the Courgettes: Slice fresh courgettes into thick slices with a sharp knife. Drizzle with olive oil, add cumin powder, Aleppo chilli, sumac and season with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Grill the courgettes until golden brown on both sides.
2. Assemble the salad: Place the grilled zucchini in a large bowl add lemon juice and zest of ½ a lemon and mix well. arrange the salt on a serving platter and top with crumbled feta cheese. Add the herbs and keep aside.
3. Dressing: Place all the ingredients (except the fresh dill) into a high-speed blender and blend on high for a minute or until very smooth. Then place the dressing into a bowl, then stir in the freshly chopped dill. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Dress and Serve: Dress the salad with the dressing and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Enjoy!!

Note : A high-speed blender is not required but makes for a very smooth emulsified dressing

Helpful Tips and Tricks to Make Grilled Courgettes Salad with Dill Dressing

1. Can you make grilled zucchini salad in advance? This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just add the dressing before serving.
2. White Wine Vinegar: I feel that vinegar brands vary based on flavour and tartness. Please adjust the amount of white wine vinegar used in this recipe based on your brand of vinegar. Taste the white wine vinegar, if your white wine vinegar has a strong acidity/tartness, use less to start with, and add more if needed. I’ve used a very mellow brand of white wine vinegar.
3. Not a fan of dill? You can swap this herb for some fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil, if you prefer!

More Salad Recipes to Try

1. Quinoa Corn Salad with Avocado Dressing
2. Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
3. Marinated Beetroot Salad with Red Onions

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Grilled Courgettes With Dill Dressing

Serves: 2-4 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 4 voted )

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Ingredients

For The Salad

• • 600 grams courgettes, sliced into rounds
  • 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 tsp sumac
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp Aleppo chilli flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • handful of chopped herbs- parsley, dill and mint
  • 50 grams feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped pistachios

For the Dill Dressing

• 2 tbsp greek style yoghurt
• 2 tbsp tahini 
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1.5 tbsp agave syrup
• ½ tbsp olive oil 
• 2 clove garlic, roughly chopped
•  ¾ tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp salt 
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• extra dressing of the courgette mix (if any left)

 

method

1.  Prep the Courgettes:

• Wash and dry the courgettes. Cut them into medium round slices. 
• Place the courgettes in a large bowl.
• Drizzle approximately 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the zucchini.
• Sprinkle with cumin powder, sumac and Aleppo chilli flakes for added flavour.
• Use your clean hands to toss and coat the zucchini thoroughly with the oil and spices. 

2. Grill the Courgettes:

• Preheat a grill or griddle until it's hot.
• Grill the courgettes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the grill.
• Grill for about 4 minutes, turning the courgettes a few times until they are cooked through and have a perfect char.

3. Dressing the Courgettes:

• Return the grilled courgettes to the bowl.
• Add the juice of fresh lemons & minced garlic. Taste and adjust the seasonings as required. 
• Give everything a good toss to ensure the zucchini is coated with these delightful flavours.
• Sprinkle in your choice of fresh herbs  tossing gently once more.

4. Make the Dressing 

• 1. Place all the Ingredients (except the fresh dill) into a high-speed blender and blend on high for one minute or until creamy and smooth. Then place the dressing into a bowl, then stir in the freshly chopped baby dill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. Serve with Flair:

• Transfer the dressed zucchini to a  serving platter.
• Pour half the dressing on top of the salad and serve the remaining dressing on side. 
• For an extra layer of richness and tang, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese and chopped pistachios over the top.
• Serve this delectable zucchini salad warm or at room temperature, allowing the flavours to shine.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you did, take a picture and tag me on Instagram at @poetryofspices!