Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad
Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad, featuring a delightful combination of smoky grilled red bell peppers, sweet onions, and fresh tomatoes, all brought together by aromatic basil and a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light main course, this salad is bursting with flavor and makes for a colorful presentation at any gathering. Easy to prepare and beautifully simple, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any season.
4
Servings
138
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red bell peppers
2 (whole, to be grilled)
Sweet white onions
2 (cut into 3/4 inch thick rounds)
Large tomatoes
4 (whole, to be grilled)
Olive oil
to coat (for grilling and dressing)
Fresh basil
1 bunch (stemmed and coarsely chopped if desired)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (for vinaigrette)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (for vinaigrette)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Prepare the grill for direct grilling over high heat. If using charcoal, allow it to become ashen, or preheat your gas or electric grill. Lightly oil the grill rack.
2
In a large bowl, place the whole red bell peppers, sliced sweet onions, and whole tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly.
3
Place the bell peppers directly onto the grill, cooking them for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are charred and blistered on all sides.
4
After grilling, transfer the peppers to a paper bag and seal it shut. Allow them to cool in the bag for about 10 minutes to steam, which will help in peeling the skin.
5
While the peppers cool, place the onion rounds onto the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have grill marks and are beginning to soften. Remove and place on a cutting board.
6
Next, grill the tomatoes, turning them frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they are lightly charred but still firm. Remove and place on the cutting board.
7
Once the red peppers have cooled, peel off the skin, remove the stems and seeds, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add to a serving platter.
8
Roughly chop the grilled onion and core the grilled tomatoes before chopping them as well. Add all the grilled vegetables to the platter.
9
Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the grilled vegetables.
10
For the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Whisk in the extra virgin olive oil gradually to emulsify.
11
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the grilled vegetables and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
12
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, enjoying the vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring smoky grilled red bell peppers, sweet onions, and fresh tomatoes, finished with a balsamic vinaigrette and aromatic basil.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include red bell peppers, sweet white onions, large tomatoes, fresh basil, and a vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 138 calories.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad is entirely vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for this salad?
Grill the whole peppers until charred, then steam them in a paper bag for 10 minutes to make peeling the skin easier.
Why should I put the grilled peppers in a paper bag?
The steam trapped in the bag helps loosen the charred skin, making it much easier to peel off.
How long should the onions be grilled?
Grill the onion rounds for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they show grill marks and begin to soften.
What type of grill is best for this recipe?
You can use a charcoal grill for a smokier flavor, or a gas or electric grill for convenience.
How do I grill the tomatoes without them falling apart?
Grill the tomatoes whole for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently, until lightly charred but still firm.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 10.5g of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
Each serving contains about 8.75g of carbohydrates.
Does this salad contain protein?
Yes, there is approximately 1.5g of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in the Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad?
Yes, each serving provides about 2.5g of dietary fiber.
How do I make the balsamic vinaigrette?
Whisk together minced garlic and balsamic vinegar, then gradually add extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the mixture.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Yes, while it is delicious warm, it can also be served at room temperature or chilled.
What type of onions should I use?
Sweet white onions are recommended for their mild and sweet flavor when grilled.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Should I remove the seeds from the peppers?
Yes, after peeling the skin, you should remove the stems and seeds before chopping the peppers.
How do I prepare the onions for grilling?
Cut the sweet white onions into rounds approximately 3/4 inch thick before oiling and grilling.
What kind of oil should be used for the vinaigrette?
Extra virgin olive oil is best for the vinaigrette to provide a rich, authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a barbecue?
Absolutely, it is a perfect side dish for barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
How do I season the salad?
Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after tossing them with the vinaigrette.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you could add zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus, following similar grilling techniques.
How do I prepare the fresh basil?
Stem the basil and coarsely chop the leaves, or scatter them whole over the vegetables.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
The recipe does not require peeling the tomatoes; simply core and chop them after grilling.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice.
How long does the entire preparation take?
Preparation and grilling take approximately 30-40 minutes in total.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Salads.
Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes, the vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What should I do if I don't have a paper bag for the peppers?
You can place the charred peppers in a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap to achieve the same steaming effect.