Grilled Zucchini Caprese offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad. With layers of grilled zucchini, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, this dish is a celebration of summer flavors. The zucchini is lightly charred on the grill, adding a smoky depth to the dish, while the creamy mozzarella and vibrant tomatoes provide a burst of freshness. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, Grilled Zucchini Caprese is a simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests with its delicious simplicity.
Blissful Grilled Zucchini Caprese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Grill
- 1 Knife
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Serving platter
- 1 Foil
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
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they have grill marks and are tender. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- On a serving platter, layer the grilled zucchini slices, tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese slices, alternating them and overlapping slightly.
- Top the layers with fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella stacks.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Assembly – Layer the grilled zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella slices alternately for a visually appealing presentation. Overlapping the slices slightly helps to create stable stacks.
- Toppings and Seasonings – Use fresh basil leaves to add a burst of herbaceous flavor to each stack. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled stacks for a sweet and tangy finish.
how should i grill the zucchini?
To grill the zucchini for the Grilled Zucchini Caprese recipe, follow these steps:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the grill is hot enough to cook the zucchini quickly and develop those desirable grill marks.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and pat dry. Trim off the ends and slice the zucchini lengthwise into even slices, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. You can also slice them diagonally for a different presentation.
- Season the Zucchini: Brush both sides of the zucchini slices lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking to the grill and adds flavor. You can also season them with salt and pepper or your favorite herbs and spices.
- Grill the Zucchini: Place the zucchini slices directly on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear and the zucchini is tender but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking, as zucchini can become mushy if cooked for too long.
- Remove from Grill: Once the zucchini is grilled to your desired doneness, remove it from the grill using tongs and transfer to a serving platter or plate.
- Serve: Use the grilled zucchini slices as the base for assembling the Grilled Zucchini Caprese stacks, alternating them with slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese. Finish with basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
what sort of cheese should i use?
For Grilled Zucchini Caprese, traditionally, fresh mozzarella cheese is used. This cheese has a soft, creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the freshness of basil leaves. Fresh mozzarella comes in various forms, including balls, logs, or slices. Opt for the type that best suits your preference and the presentation you desire for your dish.