If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of textures, then you’re in for a real treat with this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe. Imagine tender, smoky grilled courgette ribbons mingling with crisp Little Gem lettuce, all brought together by a zesty lemon and honey dressing, finished with salty crumbles of feta and fresh mint – it’s like sunshine on a plate! This salad isn’t just easy to make, but it’s also an impressive crowd-pleaser that can brighten up any meal or stand proudly on its own for a light lunch or dinner. Let me walk you through why you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this salad sing is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing a balance of brightness, creaminess, freshness, and a touch of charred flavor that elevates every bite. You’ll be amazed how such basic pantry staples and fresh produce come together in perfect harmony.
- Courgettes (Zucchini): These become wonderfully tender and smoky when grilled, adding a touch of warmth and texture.
- Little Gem Lettuce: Its crisp, sweet leaves provide a refreshing crunch that’s lighter than your usual lettuce options.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta infuses the dish with a salty, creamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the grilled veggies.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enriches the dressing and helps grill the courgettes perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the feta and oil.
- Lemon Zest: Gives an extra punch of citrus aroma that lifts the entire salad.
- Garlic: Just a subtle hint of garlic deepens the dressing’s flavor without overpowering.
- Honey: Provides a delicate sweetness to counterbalance the lemon and feta.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Offers a cooling, herbal freshness that brightens the palate.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Grill Pan Ready
Start by heating your grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to give the courgette ribbons a beautiful char. This is where the smoky flavor develops, so patience here is key for the perfect texture and taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Courgette Ribbons
Brush the courgette slices lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their natural flavor and helps with the caramelization during grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Courgettes
Place the courgette ribbons onto the hot grill pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side. You’re looking for light char marks that add a smoky depth without turning them too soft. Once grilled, set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dressing.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. This citrusy, garlicky dressing plays the starring role in making the salad lively and balanced.
Step 5: Add the Salad Ingredients
Throw in the Little Gem lettuce leaves, grilled courgette ribbons, and half of the crumbled feta cheese. This layering starts building the texture and flavor profile of the salad.
Step 6: Shake Up the Salad
Now for the fun part: toss or shake the salad gently but thoroughly so all the leaves and courgettes are evenly coated with that delicious dressing. It’s this step that makes the recipe truly a shake-up salad, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by topping the salad with the remaining feta and torn fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy all the fresh, vibrant contrasts at their best.
How to Serve Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make this salad even more enticing, try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and texture. Both options add delightful surprises without overshadowing the core ingredients.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or alongside a crispy flatbread for a more substantial meal. It’s also fantastic as a light starter or with a bowl of aromatic soup to create a balanced dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad family-style in a big colorful bowl and let everyone dig in, or for a more elegant touch, plate it on individual dishes and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh mint sprigs. Either way, it looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate if possible, and toss everything together again right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, mainly due to the delicate lettuce and grilled courgette texture which would suffer from freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be fresh and crisp, reheating is not recommended. If you want warm courgette, consider grilling fresh courgette slices and tossing them into the salad just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular lettuce instead of Little Gem?
Absolutely! While Little Gem adds a unique crisp sweetness, baby gem lettuce or even romaine can work well as substitutes, just expect a slight change in texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or use avocado slices for creaminess, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave to keep it vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the courgette ribbons from sticking to the grill pan?
Make sure your grill pan is fully heated before adding the courgette and coat them lightly and evenly with olive oil; this helps prevent sticking and promotes even charring.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The dressing can be made up to two days ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the fridge. Just whisk it again before tossing the salad.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, toasted walnuts, or chickpeas can bulk up the salad and make it more satisfying as a main meal without compromising the bright flavors.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to for those days when you want something fresh, easy, and utterly delicious. It’s vibrant, packed with flavors that balance so perfectly, and immensely satisfying to make and eat. Give it a try and watch it become a kitchen favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
