Roasted Zucchini Salad (Vegan)

Roasted Zucchini Salad (Vegan)

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a delicious, easy-to-make salad that brings a touch of freshness to every meal, you have come to the right place! Roasted zucchini salad is a fantastic choice, especially for those following a vegan diet. With a delicate taste and an intense garlic aroma, this recipe will captivate you from the very first bite.

A brief history of the recipe

Salads have a long history, being consumed since ancient times. They offer not only a healthy way to nourish ourselves but also a palette of colors and textures that delight the eye. Zucchini, with its fine texture and sweet taste, perfectly combines with the strong flavors of garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Basic ingredients

- 2 small zucchinis (choose young zucchinis with smooth skin)
- 3 cloves of garlic (fresh for a more intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (choose a quality one for a perfect taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (freshly ground for an extra hint of flavor)
- Fresh dill (about a small bunch, finely chopped)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well under a stream of cold water. It is important to remove any impurities from their surface. Cut the zucchinis into long strips, keeping the skin for added nutrients and a more interesting texture.

2. Removing excess water: Sprinkle salt over the zucchini strips and let them sit in a strainer for 15-30 minutes. This step is essential as the salt will draw out excess water from the zucchinis, allowing you to achieve a salad with a perfect texture, without being watery.

3. Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the zucchini strips on the grill and let them brown for 5-7 minutes on each side. You will notice beautiful grill marks forming and the aroma of the zucchinis becoming more intense.

4. Preparing the garlic sauce: In a small bowl, crush the 3 cloves of garlic. Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. The garlic sauce is the soul of this salad, and choosing fresh garlic will make all the difference!

5. Assembling the salad: Once the zucchinis are ready, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the garlic sauce and the chopped dill. Gently mix to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Serving suggestion

The roasted zucchini salad can be served as is, but for a more substantial lunch, you can pair it with baked potatoes or a piece of grilled meat. If you are not vegan, adding Greek yogurt on top will bring extra creaminess and balance the flavors.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment with this recipe, you can add other ingredients such as halved cherry tomatoes or sliced green olives. You can also try sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast.

Nutritional information

This salad is low in calories, with about 80 calories per serving, while being rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamin C, and garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use large zucchinis?
It is preferable to use small zucchinis, as their texture is finer and their taste sweeter. Large zucchinis can be more bitter and fibrous.

2. Can I make the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but I recommend adding the garlic sauce just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.

3. What other salads pair well with this recipe?
Roasted zucchini salad pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a tomato and onion salad. It provides a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

4. What drinks can I serve alongside?
A glass of fresh lemonade or a dry white wine complements your salad perfectly.

So, dress your table with a delicious roasted zucchini salad, full of flavors and health. I promise it will quickly become a favorite recipe! Cook with love and enjoy every bite!