Name: Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬; • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika• Salt & pepper, to taste• 1 clove garlic, minced• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped• 1 tablespoon lemon juice• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar• 1 ball burrata cheese• Chili oil, to drizzle (store-bought or homemade)

The Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that seamlessly blends smoky, charred zucchini with crispy, seasoned chickpeas and creamy burrata cheese. This salad offers an ideal balance of textures and flavors, with the rich creaminess of burrata complementing the fresh, earthy taste of the vegetables. The chili oil drizzle adds a delightful kick that elevates the dish, making it a perfect choice for a light summer lunch or a satisfying side to a hearty dinner. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a simple yet flavorful meal, this salad delivers both beauty and taste in every bite.

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• Chili oil, to drizzle (store-bought or homemade)

𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Step 1: Grilling the Zucchini

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Toss the zucchini slices in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Grill the zucchini for 2–3 minutes per side until they are charred and tender. Set the zucchini aside once done.

Step 2: Roasting the Chickpeas

In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the chickpeas, smoked paprika, salt, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are golden and slightly crispy. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Combining the Herbs and Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the parsley, mint, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar together.
Stir until the dressing ingredients are well combined, then set the bowl aside for later use.

Step 4: Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl or platter, begin by layering the grilled zucchini slices and roasted chickpeas.
Drizzle the prepared herb dressing over the vegetables and chickpeas, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Gently place the burrata cheese in the center of the salad, allowing its creamy center to spill slightly.

Step 5: Finishing the Salad

Drizzle the salad generously with chili oil, adding the desired level of spice.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper over the burrata for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 6: Serving the Salad

Serve immediately, allowing the burrata to melt into the warm vegetables as you dig in, enhancing the dish’s creamy texture and flavor.

𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

• For a vegan version, substitute burrata with a dairy-free cheese alternative, such as cashew cheese or a rich, creamy vegan feta.
• Add roasted bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a colorful burst of sweetness.
• Toss in some olives or capers for an extra briny contrast to the rich burrata.
• For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken or lamb to make the salad more filling.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞

• Make sure not to overcook the zucchini slices; they should retain a slight crunch for the best texture.
• If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove of minced garlic when sautéing the chickpeas.
• For an extra smoky flavor, you can try using smoked olive oil or add a sprinkle of smoked sea salt to finish the dish.

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

• This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken or lamb, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats.
• Serve it as a side dish at your next BBQ or outdoor gathering for a vibrant addition to the spread.
• For a light lunch, enjoy it with a slice of rustic bread on the side, perfect for soaking up the creamy burrata and chili oil.

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬

• If you don’t have a grill pan or outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or even roast the zucchini in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes.
• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but keep the chili oil separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• If you want to prepare this salad ahead of time, grill the zucchini and roast the chickpeas earlier in the day, and assemble just before serving to keep the burrata creamy.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 10 mins
𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 15 mins
𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 25 mins

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐏𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝

• Overcooking the zucchini can lead to mushy texture, so be sure to grill for no more than 3 minutes per side.
• Don’t skip the chili oil drizzle; it’s the secret to adding depth and spice to the salad.
• Be careful not to add too much salt when seasoning the chickpeas; the burrata will also add saltiness to the dish.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil is a stunning, flavorful dish that brings together the best of fresh vegetables, savory chickpeas, and creamy cheese. The grilled zucchini offers a smoky, slightly charred flavor, while the crispy chickpeas add a crunchy texture. The herb dressing adds brightness, and the burrata provides a decadent, creamy center. A drizzle of chili oil elevates the dish to a new level of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. This salad is not just a side dish, but a main attraction in its own right!

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬)

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can grill the zucchini and roast the chickpeas earlier in the day. Just assemble the salad before serving to keep the burrata creamy and fresh.

Q: Is there a substitute for burrata?
A: If burrata is not available, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or any creamy cheese of your choice.

Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: The chili oil adds a moderate level of heat. If you prefer less spice, use a mild chili oil or reduce the amount you drizzle over the salad.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! You can add roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, or even avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.