Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette
This Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh, charred vegetables complemented by a zesty oregano vinaigrette. Perfect for outdoor barbecues or as a light meal, this salad features a colorful mix of grilled pumpkin, zucchini, bell peppers, and green onions. Tossed with creamy feta cheese, tangy capers, and optional toasted pine nuts, it’s a delightful medley of textures and flavors. You can easily customize the vegetables according to your preferences or seasonal availability, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin
400 g (peeled and thickly sliced)
Zucchini
3 (quartered lengthwise)
Red Capsicum (Red Pepper)
2 (thickly sliced)
Yellow Capsicum (Yellow Pepper)
2 (thickly sliced)
Green Onions
12 (trimmed)
Salt
to taste
Feta Cheese
150 g (crumbled)
Baby Capers
2 tablespoons (rinsed and drained)
Pine Nuts
1 tablespoon (optional) (toasted)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup
Red Wine Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves
2 (crushed)
Fresh Oregano
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Oregano Vinaigrette: In a screw-top jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, and finely chopped oregano. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well mixed. Set aside.
2
Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling the pumpkin and cutting it into thick slices. Next, quarter the zucchini lengthwise and slice the red and yellow peppers into thick strips. Trim the green onions and set them aside.
3
Grill the Vegetables: Preheat the barbecue grill to medium heat. Brush the prepared vegetables with half of the oregano vinaigrette, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle a light pinch of salt over them.
4
Place the vegetables on the heated grill, cooking them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and exhibit beautiful char lines. If your grill is small, you can cook the vegetables in batches.
5
Assemble the Salad: Once the vegetables are cooked, arrange them artfully on a large serving platter. Crumble the feta cheese generously over the top, followed by the rinsed capers and optional toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
6
Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining oregano vinaigrette over the salad for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad?
It is a vibrant dish featuring charred pumpkin, zucchini, bell peppers, and green onions tossed with a zesty oregano vinaigrette and feta cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only vegetables, cheese, and plant-based dressing ingredients.
Is the Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Salad gluten-free?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this salad is gluten-free.
How should I prepare the pumpkin for this salad?
You should use 400g of pumpkin that is peeled and cut into thick slices.
What is the best way to cut the zucchini?
The zucchini should be quartered lengthwise before grilling.
Which types of peppers are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two red capsicums and two yellow capsicums, both thickly sliced.
How do I make the Oregano Vinaigrette?
In a screw-top jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, and finely chopped oregano, then shake vigorously.
What is the recommended grilling time for the vegetables?
The vegetables should be grilled for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
What grill temperature should I use?
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat.
How are the green onions prepared?
The green onions should be trimmed before being placed on the grill.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 150g of crumbled feta cheese.
Are the pine nuts mandatory?
No, the pine nuts are optional, but they can be added toasted for extra crunch.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires two garlic cloves that have been crushed.
Do I need to do anything to the capers before adding them?
Yes, the baby capers should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
Can this salad be served cold?
The salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
How should I apply the dressing during the grilling process?
Brush the prepared vegetables with half of the oregano vinaigrette before placing them on the grill.
What kind of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
Is this salad good for outdoor events?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for outdoor barbecues.
How many ingredients are required for this salad?
There are 13 ingredients in total used in this recipe.
What adds a crunchy texture to the salad?
Optional toasted pine nuts and the charred edges of the vegetables provide texture and crunch.
Can I cook the vegetables in batches?
Yes, if your grill is small, you can cook the vegetables in batches.
When should I use the remaining vinaigrette?
Drizzle the remaining half of the vinaigrette over the salad once it is assembled on the platter.
How do I achieve char lines on the vegetables?
Place them on a preheated medium grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
Does the pumpkin need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe instructions state the pumpkin should be peeled before slicing.
What is the best method for mixing the dressing?
Using a screw-top jar and shaking it vigorously ensures the vinaigrette is well mixed.
What is the texture of the feta cheese in this dish?
The feta cheese is described as creamy and is crumbled over the top of the salad.
Can the vegetables be substituted?
Yes, you can easily customize the vegetables according to your preferences or seasonal availability.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a light main course or a refreshing side dish.
What should I do before placing the vegetables on the grill?
Brush them with vinaigrette and sprinkle with a light pinch of salt.
What makes this salad vibrant and flavorful?
The combination of fresh charred vegetables, zesty oregano, tangy capers, and creamy feta cheese.