Bright, fresh, and delightfully vibrant, this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly brings a burst of sunshine to your table. Combining crisp Little Gem lettuce, smoky grilled courgette ribbons, and creamy crumbled feta, all brought together by a zesty lemon and honey dressing, it’s a salad that feels both light and indulgent. Whether you’re after a quick midweek lunch or a stunning side, this recipe is guaranteed to keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a starring role. From the crunchy texture of the Little Gem to the fresh flavor of mint, each component is simple yet essential, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- Courgettes (Zucchini): Two medium-sized, sliced into long ribbons for perfect grilling and delicate texture.
- Little Gem Lettuce: Two heads, with separated leaves to provide crispness and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Feta Cheese: 100g of crumbly feta adds creaminess and a tangy counterpoint to the grilled veggies.
- Olive Oil: Three tablespoons for grilling and dressing, bringing richness and depth.
- Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons to inject bright acidity.
- Lemon Zest: From one lemon, for a fragrant citrus boost that complements the dressing.
- Garlic: One clove, crushed to meld perfectly into the dressing without overpowering the salad.
- Honey: A teaspoon to balance tartness with a subtle sweetness.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A handful, torn to infuse a refreshing herbal note.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season perfectly and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Grill Pan Ready
Start by heating your grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. This ensures the courgette ribbons get those beautiful, slightly charred grill marks that add both flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Courgettes
Brush the courgette ribbons lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their natural flavor and helps them caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Courgettes
Place the ribbons onto the hot grill pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re tender and smoked with grill marks. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly so they mix well into the salad without wilting the delicate lettuce.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified—this dressing will brighten every bite.
Step 5: Add the Salad Components
Into your dressing bowl, add the crisp Little Gem leaves, grilled courgette ribbons, and half of the crumbled feta. The precoated leaves and vegetables will soak up all the wonderful flavors, making each forkful irresistible.
Step 6: Shake Up the Salad
Now for the fun part—toss or ‘shake up’ the salad vigorously to make sure every leaf and courgette ribbon is generously coated with dressing. This shaking technique helps distribute flavors evenly and makes the salad extra vibrant.
Step 7: Finish with Feta and Mint
Scatter the remaining feta on top along with torn fresh mint leaves. These final touches add creamy bursts and refreshing herbal aroma, rounding off your Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe perfectly.
How to Serve Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few extra mint leaves will elevate the salad with added crunch and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also enhances the flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner, or alongside warm crusty bread for a casual lunch. It also shines as a vibrant side to barbecues or summer picnics.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual glass jars for a charming picnic-ready option or arrange the ingredients artfully on a large rustic platter to enchant guests at your next gathering. The bright greens and grilled courgette ribbons make for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within one day for the best freshness, as the salad is most vibrant eaten immediately.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to its leafy greens and fresh vegetables, which can become watery and lose texture after thawing. It’s always better to prepare the dressing and grill the courgettes ahead, then toss everything together just before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy any leftover grilled courgettes warmed up as a side dish, but keep the lettuce, feta, and dressing chilled for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular lettuce instead of Little Gem?
While you can substitute with other lettuces, Little Gem is ideal because of its crisp texture and slight sweetness, which balances the smoky courgettes and salty feta beautifully.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely! Simply swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or sprinkle with toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a satisfying crunch and richness without dairy.
What type of honey works best in this salad?
A mild-flavored honey, such as wildflower or acacia, works best to add just a hint of sweetness without overpowering the fresh citrus and smoky flavors.
Can I prepare the courgettes ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the courgettes a few hours before serving and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before mixing into the salad for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular frying pan or griddle will work fine. Just make sure it’s hot so the courgettes get a nice sear and some color, which is crucial for that signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe. It’s a simple yet striking way to bring fresh, crunchy, and smoky elements to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this salad is guaranteed to brighten any meal and leave you wanting more. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-tos!
