Zucchini Salad with Feta Cheese

This zucchini salad with feta cheese is a vibrant and fresh dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's a delightful combination of grilled zucchini slices and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. The addition of quinoa provides a hearty base, though couscous can be used for a slightly different texture. Fresh leafy greens like beet leaves, arugula, or young spinach add an earthy note and a splash of color. The garlic herb mix enhances the overall taste, tying together all the elements beautifully. Topped with creamy feta cheese, this salad becomes an irresistible treat with a balance of savory and tangy notes. Quick to prepare, it takes only about 15 minutes to bring everything together. This dish is versatile, allowing for various modifications and additions based on personal preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 zucchini
1 jar sun-dried tomatoes (Santa Maria)
100 ml quinoa or couscous
1 packet garlic herb mix (Santa Maria)
A handful of leafy greens (choose from beet leaves, arugula, or young spinach)
1 small package feta cheese

Preparation Time

Total Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Quinoa: Begin by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. This usually involves rinsing the grains thoroughly and boiling them in water until they are fluffy and translucent.
Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into thin, even slices. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly on the grill or a hot pan.
Grill the Zucchini: Lightly brush the zucchini slices with olive oil. Grill them until they are tender and marked with grill lines, which should take about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Cut the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: While the zucchini is grilling, cut the sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, and the garlic herb mix. This mixture forms the base of your salad.
Assemble the Salad: Spread the leafy greens across a serving bowl or platter. This will add freshness and a bed to hold the rest of the salad components.
Layer the Salad: Spoon the quinoa mixture over the greens. This creates a lovely contrast with the leafy greens beneath.
Add Zucchini Slices: Carefully place the grilled zucchini slices over the quinoa mixture, spreading them out evenly to cover the salad base.
Top with Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. Its creamy texture and salty flavor will bring out the other flavors beautifully.
Serve Immediately: This salad is best served fresh. Present it as a centerpiece for a summertime meal or a festive gathering.

Tips

For a nutty twist: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top.
Add a citrus zing: A drizzle of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Make it vegan: Swap feta with a dairy-free cheese or toasted nuts.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Protein: 10g
Fats: 14g
Carbs: 23g

Variations

For a heartier meal: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Different leaf base: Use mixed greens or kale for varied nutrition.
Swap grains: Use bulgur wheat or farro for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a light white wine or a lemon-infused water.
Serve alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.

Best Places

The Garden Cafe - A charming spot known for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Location: 32 Leafy Avenue, Paris, France.
Greens and Grills - Specializes in grilled vegetable dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Location: 54 Olive Drive, Barcelona, Spain.
Sun-Dried Bistro - Famous for sun-dried tomato specialties. Location: 102 Tomato Lane, Rome, Italy.
Herb Haven - Offers a variety of herb-infused dishes perfect for vegetarians. Location: 88 Herb Street, London, United Kingdom.
Cheesy Delights - Known for its extensive selection of cheese-based dishes. Location: 29 Cheese Court, Brussels, Belgium.
Leafy Greens Cafe - A paradise for salad lovers. Location: 15 Greenway, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Zucchini Paradise - Specializes in zucchini dishes served in innovative ways. Location: 77 Veggie Road, Athens, Greece.
Nature's Bounty - Offers farm-to-table dishes with seasonal produce. Location: 23 Harvest Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Fresh Bites - Focuses on fresh and healthy dishes with a European flair. Location: 46 Urban Street, New York, USA.
Salad Society - Known for its creative salads with unique dressings. Location: 8 Leafy Crescent, Vancouver, Canada.