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Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic served on a plate

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic

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Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic features smoky charred zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion dressed in tangy balsamic vinegar. Grilling at medium-high heat caramelizes natural sugars and adds depth, while fresh basil brightens the flavors for a healthy and flavorful side or meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini slice lengthwise into ¼-inch thick planks
  • 2 units bell peppers any color, cut into quarters and seeded
  • 1 large red onion slice into ½-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes optional, can be grilled whole or added raw
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil use regular olive oil, not extra-virgin
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar add after grilling
  • 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil torn, add at the end

Equipment

  • grill Preheat and cook the vegetables
  • grill brush Clean grill grates before cooking
  • Tongs Turn vegetables on grill
  • Cutting board Slice and chop vegetables after grilling
  • Large bowl Toss vegetables with balsamic and basil

Method
 

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C) for 10 minutes. Clean grates with a grill brush and oil lightly with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch thick planks, bell peppers into quarters removing seeds, and red onion into ½-inch thick rounds. Brush all sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
    2 medium zucchini, 2 units bell peppers, 1 large red onion, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil
  3. Place vegetables in a single layer on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them, until visible grill marks and slight char appear. Flip gently with tongs, keeping 1-2 inches between pieces to avoid steaming.
    2 medium zucchini, 2 units bell peppers, 1 large red onion
  4. Remove vegetables when tender yet firm with charred edges. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly, then chop larger pieces into bite-sized chunks while still warm.
    2 medium zucchini, 2 units bell peppers, 1 large red onion
  5. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and torn fresh basil leaves. Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately or at room temperature within 2 hours.
    2 medium zucchini, 2 units bell peppers, 1 large red onion, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 0.25 cup fresh basil, 1 tsp salt

Notes

  • Slice vegetables uniformly ¼-inch thick to ensure even grilling without burning.
  • Oil the vegetables and grill grates to prevent sticking and promote char marks.
  • Let vegetables rest before dressing to avoid sogginess and allow balsamic to absorb properly.

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