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Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini Salad Recipe with Quinoa | @bestrecipebox
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Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini & Quinoa Salad w/ Balsamic Lemon Vinaigrette

Don't slice the zucchini too thin before you grill them since they will shrink down. We like it between 1/4"-1/2" thick before grilling. That way you'll get a nice lit bit of crust balanced against the softer interior. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 431kcal

Ingredients

For the Zucchini and Quinoa

  • 3 medium zucchini , cut into 1/2” thick slices
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) olive oil , for brushing
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) cooked quinoa

For the Salad

  • 1 cup (240ml) cherry tomatoes , halved or quartered
  • 3 Tablespoons (45ml) minced red onion
  • 4 oz. (113g) feta cheese
  • 15 oz. (425g) canned black beans, white beans or chickpeas (drained)
  • salt and pepper , to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh chopped basil
  • 1 cup cooked or grilled corn kernels, (optional)

FOR THE DRESSING:

  • 1/2 cup (60ml) olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
  • zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons (3ml) sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt , or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped oregano

Instructions 

  • Cook quinoa to package instructions and allow to cool completely. Set aside.
  • Heat grill. Lightly brush zucchini slices and season all sides with salt and pepper. Grill each side of zucchini until brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
    Chop grilled zucchini into large bite sized pieces.
  • In large bowl whisk together all the dressing ingredients (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano) Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper or additional seasonings, to taste.
  • In the same dressing bowl, add the zucchini, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, beans or chickpeas, and basil or corn. Gently toss everything together.
    You can eat it right away at room temperature or serve chilled for the next day. Enjoy!
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: BBQ-Grilling

Nutrition

Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 938mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 462IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 3mg