Make-Ahead Grilled Salad
A flavorful make-ahead grilled vegetable salad featuring zucchini, yellow squash, and onion, marinated in Italian dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a hot fire.
- Brush yellow squash, zucchini, and onion with vegetable oil.
- Grill the vegetables 6 inches from coals, turning occasionally until slightly browned and softened (about 5 to 7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice the grilled vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled vegetables, Italian salad dressing, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain vegetables and arrange on a serving platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the grilled vegetables in balsamic vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing. You can also substitute the yellow squash and zucchini with bell peppers or eggplant for a different taste. If you prefer a bit of smokiness, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the vegetable oil before brushing it on.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this grilled salad as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats or as a topping on a bed of greens. It pairs beautifully with Light And Fruity Sangria, making it perfect for summer gatherings. For a complete meal, add some cooked quinoa or toss it with Angel Hair Pasta With Green Beans And Almonds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a short time, just until heated through. This will help maintain the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make-Ahead Grilled Salad contains roughly 615 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the vegetables a day in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating. This will help them absorb the flavors of the dressing even more, making the salad even more delicious.
What other vegetables can I include?
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, asparagus, or even cherry tomatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetable, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This grilled salad is naturally vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet. Just double-check your Italian dressing to ensure it is vegan, or make your own at home.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).