Grilled Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Minted Yogurt Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Grilled Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Minted Yogurt Dressing

Fire up the grill and grab your mixing bowl—this Grilled Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Minted Yogurt Dressing is summer on a plate! Smoky zucchini, hearty chickpeas, and a tangy, fresh yogurt dressing come together in a dish that's light, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Let’s dive into a dish that practically shouts summer from the rooftops: Grilled Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Minted Yogurt Dressing. Picture this—zucchini slices with perfect grill marks, their smoky aroma mingling with fresh mint like a garden party happening in your kitchen. This is not just a salad; it’s a little flavor journey. When I first experimented with this recipe, I was inspired by Mediterranean flavors, but with a twist to bring in some unexpected textures and zesty moments. If you’re looking to elevate your next meal with something fresh and hearty, you’ve found your match!

Grilled Zucchini and Chickpea Salad with Minted Yogurt Dressing Recipe

What makes this salad sing is the combination of charred zucchini with the creamy tanginess of the minted yogurt dressing. The zucchini softens just enough on the grill to get those caramelized edges, while the chickpeas add a satisfying bite. And oh, that yogurt dressing! The mint gives it an herbal brightness, but there’s a surprise splash of lemon juice and just a hint of garlic to make everything pop. This isn’t just a salad you toss together; it’s a layered masterpiece of smoky, creamy, and citrusy elements that feels effortlessly gourmet. Don't skimp on the final drizzle of olive oil—trust me on this one.

If you’re wondering when to serve this beauty, the answer is whenever you need a burst of flavor and simplicity. It’s a star as a standalone lunch, but it also shines as a vibrant side dish for grilled fish or chicken. Want to switch it up? Try substituting the zucchini with eggplant or even roasted carrots for a heartier spin. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some crumbled feta or toasted pine nuts! This recipe is proof that salads don’t need to be boring or predictable, so go ahead, grill that zucchini, whisk up that minty yogurt, and treat yourself to a little bowl of sunshine.

Keywords: grilled zucchini salad recipe, chickpea salad with yogurt dressing, minted yogurt sauce, Mediterranean-inspired salad ideas, grilled summer vegetables recipe, unique salad recipes, healthy chickpea dish ideas

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper on both sides.

  3. 3

    Grill the zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they have softened and developed charred grill marks. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.

  4. 4

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped mint, chopped parsley, and thinly sliced red onion. Set aside.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and set the dressing aside.

  6. 6

    Cut the grilled zucchini slices into bite-sized pieces and add them to the chickpea mixture. Toss gently to combine.

  7. 7

    Drizzle the minted yogurt dressing over the salad and toss lightly to ensure everything is coated evenly.

  8. 8

    Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl, and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh mint or parsley if desired.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories

Protein

9g

Carbs

30g

Fat

8g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different vegetable instead of zucchini?

A: Yes, you can substitute zucchini with other grill-friendly vegetables like eggplant, yellow squash, or asparagus. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetable you choose.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh mint and parsley?

A: While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried mint and parsley if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried mint and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?

A: To make this recipe vegan, replace the Greek yogurt in the dressing with a plant-based alternative, such as unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Ensure the yogurt you choose has a neutral flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Grill the zucchini, mix the chickpea salad, and prepare the dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and toss with the dressing just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: Why is my zucchini soggy after grilling?

A: If your zucchini is soggy, it may have been overcooked or sliced too thinly. To prevent this, grill the zucchini for only 2-3 minutes per side as instructed, and ensure the slices are about 1/4-inch thick for better texture.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the zucchini may release some moisture over time, so you may need to drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

A: Absolutely! You can add crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. Adjust the dressing quantity if needed to ensure everything is evenly coated.

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