If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and a delightful medley of textures, the Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe combines the crisp crunch of Little Gem lettuce with the smoky allure of griddled courgette ribbons and the creamy tang of crumbled feta, all brought together by a zesty lemon and honey dressing. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and fresh that feels both nourishing and irresistible—perfect for any occasion when you want something light but memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this salad. From the vibrant-green Little Gem lettuce that adds a juicy crunch, to the creamy feta that lends a salty bite, every item elevates this dish effortlessly.
- Courgettes (Zucchini): Two medium, sliced lengthwise into ribbons for easy grilling and a tender smoky flavor.
- Little Gem Lettuce: Two heads with leaves separated, bringing crispness and a mild, buttery taste.
- Feta Cheese: 100g (3.5 oz), crumbled to add a creamy, salty contrast that perfectly complements the greens.
- Olive Oil: Three tablespoons, essential for grilling and dressing, providing a fruity richness.
- Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons for a bright citrus kick that lifts the salad.
- Lemon Zest: From one lemon, adding fragrant oils and extra zing.
- Garlic: One clove, crushed, to infuse a gentle savory depth into the dressing.
- Honey: One teaspoon to balance acidity with natural sweetness.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A handful, torn for a refreshing aroma and burst of herbal flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, rounding out the seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill Pan
Start by heating your grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. This step is important because a hot pan will give you those beautiful char marks on the courgette ribbons, adding smokiness and a slightly crisp texture that makes the salad extra special.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Courgettes
Brush the courgette ribbons lightly with olive oil, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here; the seasoning helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the courgettes and balances the smoky char that will develop.
Step 3: Grill the Courgettes
Lay the courgette slices on the grill pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they are tender and beautifully charred. This quick grill softens them just enough so they meld perfectly with the crisp Little Gem and creamy feta. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dressing.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk the remaining olive oil with lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing is delightfully bright and zesty, with a hint of sweetness from the honey that ties all the salad ingredients together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the separated Little Gem leaves, grilled courgettes, and half of the crumbled feta into the bowl with the dressing. This mix sets the stage for a vibrant and flavorful shake-up that showcases each component.
Step 6: Shake or Toss the Salad
Either toss the salad gently with tongs or cover the bowl and give it a good shake until every leaf and courgette ribbon is coated evenly with the dressing. This step makes sure that the flavors mingle properly and every bite delivers the perfect balance of tang, sweet, salt, and smokiness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Scatter the remaining feta and torn fresh mint leaves on top just before serving. The mint adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish, making this salad utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of flavor and texture, sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an additional squeeze of lemon can also enhance the freshness just before serving.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect light lunch or dinner. Alternatively, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or flaky filo pies for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass jars or small bowls for a stylish, modern touch at parties. You can also lay the courgette ribbons on the platter first, then pile the dressed lettuce and feta on top for a layered visual appeal that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe, store the salad components separately if possible. Keep the dressing apart to prevent the leaves from becoming soggy, and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Both Little Gem lettuce and feta cheese lose their ideal texture and freshness after freezing, and grilled courgettes can become mushy.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Simply enjoy any leftovers cold for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular lettuce instead of Little Gem?
While you can substitute with other crisp lettuces like romaine, Little Gem is ideal because of its sturdy, juicy leaves that hold up beautifully to the dressing and grilling flavors.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether and add extra crunchy nuts for a satisfying texture.
Can I use a grill instead of a grill pan?
Definitely. Using an outdoor grill or a grill plate will add wonderful smoky flavors and those iconic grill marks, enhancing the salad even more.
How long can I prepare it in advance?
To keep the salad fresh and crisp, prepare the dressing and grill the courgettes up to a day ahead, but combine everything just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh mint leaves?
If you’re out of fresh mint, finely chopped fresh basil or parsley can provide a lovely fresh herbal note, though mint is unique in its refreshing quality.
Final Thoughts
This Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients working harmoniously to create a dish that feels both light and indulgent. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find it quickly becoming one of your favorites to serve again and again!
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Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring grilled courgette ribbons, crisp Little Gem lettuce, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and honey dressing with fresh mint accents. Perfect as a light meal or an elegant side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced lengthwise into ribbons
- 2 heads Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated
- 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- A handful fresh mint leaves, torn
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the grill pan: Place a grill pan over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot before cooking. This ensures the courgette ribbons will char properly and develop great flavor.
- Prepare courgettes: Brush the courgette ribbons lightly with olive oil and season them with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Grill courgettes: Place the courgette ribbons on the hot grill pan and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are lightly charred. Once cooked, set them aside to cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the Little Gem lettuce leaves, the grilled courgettes, and half of the crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the dressing.
- Shake up the salad: Toss or shake the salad well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Add finishing touches: Top the salad with the remaining feta cheese and the torn fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and firm courgettes to create sturdy ribbons that hold up well on the grill.
- If you do not have a grill pan, you can use a regular frying pan or an outdoor grill instead.
- Adjust the honey in the dressing to taste, especially if you prefer less sweetness.
- This salad can be served as a light lunch or as an elegant side dish accompanying grilled meats or fish.
- To keep the salad crisp, add dressing just before serving.
