Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese Recipe

Introduction

This Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Italian salad. With smoky grilled zucchini, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze drizzle, it’s perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

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 pepper.
3. Step 3: Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or 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 cheese slices, alternating and slightly overlapping them.
5. Step 5: Top the layered stacks with fresh basil leaves.
6. Step 6: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella stacks.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of sea salt right before serving.
• Try adding a few arugula leaves between layers for a peppery bite.
• If you don’t have a grill, grill the zucchini slices on a grill pan or roast them in the oven until tender.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh tomatoes and basil, it’s best enjoyed fresh rather than reheated. If needed, bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?

Yes, cherry tomatoes sliced in half work well and add a burst of sweetness to this dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

You can make it vegan by replacing the fresh mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative or marinated tofu slices.

Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

A fresh and flavorful Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese recipe that combines smoky grilled zucchini, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, finished with a sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish for any meal.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Zucchini

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get it ready for grilling the zucchini slices.
2. Prepare Zucchini: Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season them with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and prevent sticking to the grill.
3. Grill Zucchini: Place the prepared zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks form and the zucchini becomes tender. Remove from grill and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Assemble Layers: On a serving platter, layer the grilled zucchini slices, tomato slices, and mozzarella slices, alternating and slightly overlapping for an attractive presentation.
5. Add Basil: Top the assembled stacks with fresh basil leaves to introduce a fragrant and fresh herbaceous note.
6. Drizzle Glaze: Generously drizzle balsamic glaze over the layered zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella stacks to add a sweet and tangy finish.
7. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures at their best.

Notes

• Use firm, fresh zucchinis for best grilling results to avoid sogginess.
• For a sharper flavor, use mature balsamic glaze or reduce it slightly before drizzling.
• This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day without the balsamic glaze.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture.

Keywords: grilled zucchini caprese, grilled vegetable recipe, Italian appetizer, summer salad, vegetarian appetizer