Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta: Your Ultimate Summer Side Dish
Prepare to fall in love with the vibrant flavors of summer! This incredible Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of seasonal produce, combining the smoky sweetness of char-grilled corn and tender zucchini with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese and a bright, zesty squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s a dish that effortlessly captures the essence of warm, sunny days in every delightful bite, making it an absolute must-try for your next outdoor gathering or simple weeknight meal.
Why This Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad is a Summer Must-Have
This recipe isn’t just good; it’s an absolute staple for your summer menu, consistently impressing with its simplicity and burst of fresh flavors. Here’s why this grilled corn and zucchini salad is truly a winner:
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The magic truly happens on the grill. The corn kernels develop a natural sweetness and irresistible smoky char, while the zucchini softens to tender perfection, marked with beautiful grill lines. When these smoky vegetables meet the salty, tangy feta and the bright, zesty lemon dressing, every forkful delivers a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle, yet welcome, warmth.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: With minimal prep and quick grilling, this salad comes together in a flash. You simply coat your fresh summer vegetables in a savory olive oil and spice mixture, grill them to perfection, chop, and toss. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you crave something fresh and flavorful, or for when you need a fantastic dish for a gathering without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re seeking a light, healthy main course, a vibrant side dish for a backyard barbecue, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this salad fits the bill perfectly. It can be served warm, straight off the grill for immediate enjoyment, or chilled for a refreshing twist that’s perfect on a hot day.
- Celebrates Peak Seasonal Produce: This recipe highlights two of summer’s most abundant and delicious vegetables: sweet corn and tender zucchini. Utilizing fresh, in-season produce not only ensures the best possible flavor but also maximizes the nutritional value of your meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of your garden or local farmer’s market.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and a protein boost from feta, this salad is a nutritious choice that never compromises on taste. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted for different dietary needs, such as making it vegan by substituting the feta with a plant-based alternative.
During the summer months, one of our favorite things to make is grilled corn on the cob. Sweet summer corn fits its way into many of our dishes during the warmer months. But like this recipe, there are so many ways to spice things up a bit and enjoy these seasonal gems beyond the cob!
Essential Ingredients for Your Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad
This simple yet incredibly flavorful salad relies on fresh, quality ingredients to truly shine. While you’ll find exact measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, let’s highlight the stars of this delightful dish and why they are so important:
- Fresh Corn on the Cob:
- You’ll need two ears of fresh, sweet corn for this recipe. When selecting corn, look for plump, bright yellow kernels and husks that are tightly closed and vibrant green. For grilling, you have the option to chop them in half or leave them whole. Halving them can make them easier to handle on the grill and may speed up cooking time, especially since zucchini cooks quicker. After grilling, we’ll be carefully slicing the flavorful kernels off the cob. The charring process on the grill brings out an incredible sweetness and a distinct smoky depth that is absolutely key to this salad’s appeal.
- Zucchini:
- Three medium zucchinis are ideal for this dish. Choose firm, blemish-free zucchini. For optimal grilling, you can either slice them into ½-inch thick rounds or lengthwise into planks. Planks tend to cook more evenly and offer more surface area for those beautiful grill marks, which translate into a richer, smoky flavor. Grilling the zucchini mellows its natural bitterness and gives it a tender-crisp texture that complements the corn perfectly.
- Feta Cheese:
- This summer salad truly isn’t complete without the distinctive taste of feta. Its salty, briny, and slightly tangy flavor profile provides a crucial counterpoint to the sweet grilled vegetables and zesty lemon. Whether you prefer to crumble the feta for a more integrated taste or chop it into small blocks for delightful bursts of intense flavor, it elevates this salad with its Mediterranean charm. Opt for a good quality feta, ideally made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, for the most authentic and delicious experience.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Serving as both the base of our simple dressing and the essential coating for our vegetables, extra virgin olive oil is indispensable. A high-quality olive oil imparts a rich, sometimes fruity flavor, helps the spices adhere uniformly to the vegetables, and ensures they char beautifully without sticking to the grill.
- Garlic:
- Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth and warmth that seamlessly ties all the distinct flavors of the salad together. Using fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best taste; however, a small amount of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes:
- These basic seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the corn and zucchini. The red pepper flakes introduce a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, providing an exciting contrast without making the salad overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference or omit them entirely if you’re sensitive to heat.
- Fresh Lemon Juice:
- A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice is the final, pivotal touch that brightens the entire salad. It provides a refreshing tanginess that elegantly cuts through the richness of the feta and the smokiness of the grilled vegetables, creating a perfectly balanced and invigorating flavor profile. Always use fresh lemon juice for superior results over bottled alternatives!
Mastering Your Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Feta
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize the process and create this delicious salad with ease. For the complete, printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and a detailed ingredient list, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Flavorful Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together thoroughly until well combined. This aromatic mixture will infuse your vegetables with incredible flavor even before they hit the grill, laying the foundation for a truly delicious salad.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut your zucchini into ½-inch wide pieces. For beautiful grill marks and even cooking, you can slice them into planks (lengthwise) or simply into thick rounds. The key is to keep them uniform in size so they cook consistently.
- Coat the Vegetables: Add the fresh corn (either whole or halved, as desired) and the sliced zucchini to the bowl with your prepared olive oil and spice mixture. Gently toss to lightly coat all the vegetables. Ensure they are well-covered but not drenched. It’s important to reserve approximately half of the mixture in the bowl – this will become part of your delicious final dressing!
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned corn and zucchini directly on the hot grates. Grill the vegetables for several minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and display beautiful char marks. Aim for some charring – it adds incredible depth and smoky flavor – but be careful not to burn them. Keep in mind that zucchini typically cooks faster than corn, so remove it as soon as it reaches your desired tenderness.
Alternatively, indoor cooking methods work beautifully too! If an outdoor grill isn’t an option or if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can achieve similar delicious results indoors. Cook the vegetables on high heat in a grill pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet until they are tender and have some nice browning and char. An electric indoor grill is also an excellent and convenient option for indoor grilling.
- Remove Corn from Cob: Once the grilled corn has cooled slightly (enough to handle comfortably), carefully stand each cob upright in the center of a large, shallow bowl. Using a sharp knife, slice downwards along the cob to remove the kernels, allowing them to fall directly into the bowl. This technique helps to catch all the delicious kernels and prevents them from scattering across your counter, making cleanup much easier.
- Assemble and Serve: Return the grilled zucchini and the newly cut corn kernels to the large bowl containing the remaining olive oil and spice mixture. Now, add the fresh lemon juice and your desired amount of crumbled or chopped feta cheese. Gently toss everything to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed and coated in the flavorful, tangy dressing. Taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary – perhaps a little more salt, pepper, or lemon. Serve your irresistible Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta warm or cold, depending on your preference and the weather!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Your Grilled Salad
This recipe is wonderfully customizable, making it easy to adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand! We’re all about making it your own. For an even more robust and flavorful salad, consider adding any of the following:
- More Vegetables: Introduce other seasonal delights like chopped grilled asparagus, vibrant halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion for a pungent bite, colorful bell peppers (which can also be grilled), or refreshing diced cucumber.
- Leafy Greens: For added texture and nutrients, gently toss in a handful of fresh spinach, peppery arugula, or your favorite mixed greens just before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: Elevate the Mediterranean notes beautifully with fresh chopped basil, refreshing mint, bright parsley, or even a sprinkle of oregano.
- Grains or Pasta: To transform it into a heartier meal or a substantial side, mix in cooked quinoa, fluffy couscous, or a small pasta shape like orzo or ditalini.
- Protein Boost: For a complete and satisfying meal, you can easily add cooked protein. Grilled chicken strips, perfectly seasoned shrimp, hearty black beans, or protein-packed chickpeas are all excellent choices.
- Creamy Additions: Diced avocado adds a luscious, creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the grilled vegetables beautifully.
Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand and what flavors you love – this salad is very forgiving!
Storing this delicious salad is incredibly simple, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4-5 days. In fact, many people find that the flavors tend to meld and deepen even more overnight, enhancing the overall taste. Just be aware that zucchini can release a bit of water as it sits, so a quick stir before serving can help redistribute the dressing and freshen up the salad.
Absolutely! While an outdoor grill imparts that signature smoky flavor and beautiful char, you can easily adapt this recipe using indoor cooking methods. You can use a grill pan on your stovetop to get those appealing grill marks and a similar caramelized flavor. Alternatively, an electric indoor grill is a convenient option. Another excellent method is oven roasting: simply toss the seasoned corn and zucchini on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and lightly browned. The results will still be wonderfully delicious!
To minimize mess and make the process easier, try this simple trick: once the grilled corn cob has cooled enough to handle comfortably, stand it upright in the center of a large, shallow bowl. Hold the top of the cob firmly with one hand. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice downwards along the cob, allowing the kernels to fall directly into the bowl. This method effectively contains all the delicious kernels and prevents them from scattering across your kitchen counter, simplifying cleanup.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Your Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad
This versatile grilled corn and zucchini salad makes an exceptional accompaniment to a wide variety of main dishes, instantly elevating any meal. Its fresh, vibrant flavors complement smoky grilled meats and lighter fare beautifully.
Ideal Main Dish Pairings:
- Grilled Meats: It’s a natural partner for anything hot off the grill! Think succulent grilled pork chops, juicy grilled chicken breasts or thighs, or flavorful steaks. The smoky notes of the salad echo the grilled main, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.
- Seafood: The bright lemon and fresh vegetables make it a fantastic match for grilled fish like grilled salmon, flaky cod, or perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Vegetarian Options: Serve it alongside grilled halloumi cheese, a hearty black bean burger, or even as a vibrant topping for fresh tacos or healthy wraps.
- Classic Cookouts: Elevate your traditional backyard BBQ spread by offering this gourmet side instead of the usual potato salad or coleslaw. It’s a refreshing change that will impress your guests.
Versatile Meal Ideas:
- Light Main Course: With its generous amount of vegetables and savory protein from the feta, this salad can easily stand alone as a healthy and satisfying lunch or light dinner. For an extra boost, consider adding some grilled chickpeas, a handful of toasted nuts, or even a perfectly fried egg on top.
- Potlucks & Barbecues: Its universally appealing flavors and ease of transport make it an ideal dish to bring to any summer gathering. It holds up well and tastes just as fantastic at room temperature, making it worry-free for outdoor events.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for quick, healthy, and delicious lunches throughout your busy week. The flavors tend to develop beautifully as it sits.
Whether you choose to enjoy this vibrant summer salad warm and fresh, allowing the heat of the vegetables to subtly soften the feta, or perfectly chilled from the refrigerator for a crisp, refreshing cool-down, it’s guaranteed to be a delightful addition to your table!
Explore More Delicious Summer Salad Recipes
If you’re loving the fresh, vibrant flavors and ease of this grilled corn and zucchini salad, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic summer salad recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients:
- Refreshing Fruit Salad
- Classic Corn Salad
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Mom’s Best Potato Salad
- Delightful Summer Pasta Salad
- Nana’s Macaroni Salad
- Zucchini Pizza Bites (a creative and fun way to use extra zucchini!)
- Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta
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Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 ears corn
- 3 medium zucchini cut into ½ inch wide pieces (planks or rounds)
- 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 oz feta cheese crumbled or cubed
Things You’ll Need
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Outdoor Grill (or Grill Pan / Electric Grill)
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Large Mixing Bowl
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Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board
Before You Begin & Storage Tips
- Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the olive oil and spice mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. While you can slice the zucchini ahead of time, it’s best to wait to coat and grill until just before you’re ready to cook for the freshest taste and best texture.
- Storage: Leftover grilled corn and zucchini salad should be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for approximately 4-5 days. The flavors often meld even more over time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
- Serving Temperature: This versatile salad is equally delicious served warm, right off the grill, or chilled for a refreshing twist.
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This forms your flavorful marinade for the vegetables.
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Prepare the zucchini by cutting it into ½-inch wide pieces. You can slice it into rounds or lengthwise planks for grilling.
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Add the fresh corn (whole or halved) and the cut zucchini to the bowl with the olive oil mixture. Toss gently to lightly coat all the vegetables, ensuring even seasoning. Leave approximately half of the oil mixture remaining in the bowl for the final dressing.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the seasoned corn and zucchini, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have delicious char marks. The zucchini will cook faster than the corn, so remove it when it’s done. Alternatively, cook the vegetables on high heat in a grill pan or skillet until tender and browned.
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Once the grilled corn has cooled enough to handle, carefully stand each cob in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to slice the kernels from the stalk.
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Transfer the grilled zucchini and corn kernels back to the large bowl with the remaining olive oil mixture. Add the fresh lemon juice and your desired amount of crumbled or chopped feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve your delightful Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad with Feta warm or cold, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on April 12, 2017 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips to ensure you have the best possible cooking experience.