Imagine a summer dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients and some grilling magic. This Grilled Zucchini and Red Onion with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of smoky char, bright citrus, and fresh herbs, this recipe will have your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained in a gourmet kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing the zucchinis and red onion thoroughly. Trim the ends of the zucchinis and slice them diagonally into 1/4-inch thick oval pieces for even grilling.
- Peel the red onion and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rings, keeping the rings intact to prevent them from falling apart during grilling.
- Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini and onion slices, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the zucchini and onion slices on the hot grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop nice char marks and become tender.
- While the vegetables are grilling, prepare the lemon basil vinaigrette by combining fresh lemon juice with chopped basil in a small bowl.
- Once the vegetables are grilled and have a slight char, remove them from the heat and transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the lemon basil vinaigrette over the warm grilled vegetables, allowing the herbs and citrus to enhance the smoky flavor.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or light appetizer, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for the best char marks
- Don't overcrowd the grill – give each vegetable slice breathing room
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the best flavor
- Let the vegetables develop natural caramelization by not moving them too frequently
- The lemon basil vinaigrette is best added while vegetables are still warm to help the flavors meld
- For extra flavor, consider adding a light sprinkle of fresh parmesan or toasted pine nuts before serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
