If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm and effortless flavor, the Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad combines crisp, slightly sweet Little Gem lettuce with smoky, tender griddled courgette strips and the creamy tang of feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and white wine vinegar dressing. It’s vibrant, quick to make, and perfect for any meal that craves freshness with a bit of a punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the soul of this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe, each adding a unique layer of taste, texture, or color. Together, they create a harmonious, visually stunning, and mouthwatering plate.
- Little Gem lettuce: Crisp, sweet leaves that provide a fresh and crunchy base for the salad.
- Courgettes (zucchini): Thinly sliced into strips for quick grilling, adding a subtle smokiness and tender texture.
- Olive oil: Used for grilling and dressing, it enriches the flavors with fruity richness.
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the dressing perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the courgette and feta.
- Dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that ties the salad elements together.
- Chili flakes (optional): Introduces a gentle kick for those who love a touch of spice.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and salty, it brings richness and a contrasting texture.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the salad with fresh acidity and lifts all the flavors.
- White wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tartness that balances the olive oil and cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used in the dressing for its fruity and peppery notes.
- Fresh mint leaves: Chopped finely to add refreshing, aromatic bursts throughout the salad.
How to Make Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Courgettes
Start by preheating your grill pan over medium-high heat to get that perfect sear on the courgettes. Toss the thin courgette strips with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and chili flakes if you want a bit of heat. Grill them in batches for around 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are tender and lightly charred. This grilling enhances the courgettes’ natural sweetness and adds a smoky complexity that’s irresistible.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
While your courgettes cool slightly, separate the Little Gem lettuce leaves and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the grilled courgettes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves. This combination brings a beautiful mix of crispness, smoky warmth, salty creaminess, and fresh herbal notes.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, shake or whisk together the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and vibrant. This dressing is what ties the whole salad together, giving it a lovely tangy brightness with a smooth finish from the oil.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the assembled salad and gently toss everything to combine, making sure every leaf and courgette strip is beautifully coated. You can serve this salad right away to preserve the crispness, or chill it for about 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly cooler and firmer texture.
How to Serve Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even further, consider adding extra garnishes such as toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of sumac for color and zing. Fresh herbs like additional mint or basil can be scattered on top for an eye-catching presentation and a fragrant boost.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or chickpeas if you want to add some protein, making it a satisfying lunch or light dinner. It’s also wonderful alongside warm flatbreads or as a refreshing side to grilled meats and seafood, especially in warm weather.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on serving, try layering the salad in individual jars or clear bowls to show off the vibrant layers of Little Gem, courgette, and feta. Alternatively, use large lettuce leaves as edible cups to hold the salad, perfect for casual gatherings or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day to retain the lettuce’s crispness and the fresh flavors.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing, especially because fresh lettuce and the dressing do not freeze well. For best taste and texture, prepare it fresh or enjoy leftovers cold from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If your grilled courgettes have cooled down in the fridge and you prefer them warm, you can briefly reheat them separately on the grill before tossing the salad together.
FAQs
Can I substitute feta cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese and grilled halloumi work wonderfully if you want to switch things up, each bringing their own unique texture and flavor to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice.
How spicy is this salad with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add a gentle warmth rather than overwhelming heat. If you prefer a milder salad, simply omit the chili flakes without losing any of the overall flavor complexity.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it. Increase the herbs and add some toasted nuts or seeds for an extra flavor and texture boost.
What’s the best way to clean Little Gem lettuce?
Remove the outer leaves and then separate the inner leaves before rinsing under cold water. Spin or pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the salad doesn’t get soggy when tossed with the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress with its simple elegance and lively flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or a vibrant side at your next dinner party, it brings fresh Mediterranean vibes to the table in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again!
Print
Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring Little Gem lettuce, griddled courgette strips, and crumbled feta cheese, tossed with a zesty lemon and white wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side dish with options to customize protein and cheese.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 heads of Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced into thin strips lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- small handful fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Courgettes: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss the courgette slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chili flakes if using, ensuring they are evenly coated for flavor.
- Grill the Courgettes: Grill the seasoned courgettes in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until tender and lightly charred. This griddling process adds a smoky flavor and softens the texture. Once grilled, set them aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the separated Little Gem lettuce leaves, grilled courgettes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint. This mix balances fresh, grilled, and creamy elements.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, vigorously shake or whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil until well emulsified. This bright dressing brings acidity and richness to the salad.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispier texture.
Notes
- This salad pairs wonderfully with added chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Feta can be substituted with goat cheese or grilled halloumi for a different flavor profile.
- Best served fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 day without loss of flavor or texture.
