Grilled Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Salty Cheese Bites
This Grilled Vegetable Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish bursting with smoky flavors and a zesty kick from the lemon vinaigrette. Paired with crunchy, salty cheese bites, it's a perfect meal for any season.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 zucchini sliced lengthwise
- 1 red bell pepper quartered
- 1 yellow bell pepper quartered
- 1 red onion sliced into thick rings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey optional, for sweetness
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Salty Cheese Bites
- 1 cup halloumi, feta, or paneer cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for pan-frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Vegetables
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Toss the zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, about 4–5 minutes per side, then set aside to cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Cheese Bites
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the cheese cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the grilled vegetables on a large platter or in a salad bowl.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the top.
- Add the crispy cheese bites as the finishing touch.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy as a light, healthy main course.