Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil
Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil is a delicious and fresh dish. It’s perfect for summer lunches or as a simple side at dinner. The combination of flavors from the grilled zucchini, crunchy chickpeas, creamy burrata, and spicy chili oil makes this salad a standout.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad is a great idea for many reasons. First, it’s healthy! Zucchini and chickpeas are packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, requiring only a short amount of time. This salad is also vegetarian and can easily be enjoyed by anyone. With its mix of textures and flavors, it will impress your family and friends.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ribbons or rounds
- 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ball of burrata cheese
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush zucchini slices with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper.
- Grill the zucchini for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are charred and tender.
- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the chickpeas in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, or until they are lightly crispy.
- Arrange the grilled zucchini on a serving platter.
- Scatter the roasted chickpeas over the top.
- Place the burrata cheese in the center of the salad.
- Drizzle with chili oil and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil
Serve this salad fresh off the grill. You can enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread for a more filling meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with white wine or a refreshing lemonade on a warm day.
How to Store Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept for up to two days. To keep the burrata fresh, it’s best to add it just before serving.
Tips to Make Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad with Burrata & Chili Oil
- Make sure to preheat your grill pan for even cooking.
- Cut the zucchini into thin slices for better grilling.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
- Let the chickpeas cool before tossing them with the salad for better texture.
Variation
You can swap burrata for feta cheese if you prefer a different cheese. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, for extra color and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well.
2. What if I can’t find burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, you can use fresh mozzarella or feta cheese as a substitute.
3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While the salad is best fresh, you can prepare the grilled zucchini and roasted chickpeas ahead of time. Combine them just before serving for the best taste.