ADVERTISEMENT

Revamp Your Day with Little Gem Feta Griddled Salad

Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad

 

Ah, the beauty of summer produce! There’s something incredibly nostalgic about this time of year. I can vividly remember evenings spent chatting with friends in my backyard, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon while we enjoyed the simple pleasures of good food. It’s often during these moments that the freshest flavors shine, and a dish that captures all that goodness is my Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad. I love this recipe because it’s vibrant, refreshingly simple, and brings a burst of sunshine onto your plate.

This salad has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months when courgettes are at their peak. The sweet, slightly charred flavour of the griddled courgette pairs beautifully with the crisp Little Gem lettuce and salty feta, creating a balance of textures and tastes that leaves you feeling satisfied but not weighed down. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Elegant yet casual: ideal for entertaining or a simple family dinner.
  • Fresh, seasonal ingredients that burst with flavor.
  • Customizable: switch up the ingredients to suit your pantry or mood.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll need:

  • 4 cups Little Gem lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium courgettes, sliced into ½ inch rounds
  • 200g feta cheese, crumbled (go for the good stuff!)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is best for flavor)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is a must!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a handful of fresh herbs (like mint or parsley) for a pop of color and flavor

Tip: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Don’t skip out on good quality feta; it makes all the difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your griddle pan or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. We want it HOT for that beautiful char.
  2. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil on the courgette slices and sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. This will enhance their natural sweetness and help them crisp up nicely.
  3. Once the pan is ready, add the courgette slices in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if needed. You want them to sizzle, not steam!
  4. Griddle the courgette for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re tender and have lovely grill marks. The smell will be divine!
  5. While the courgettes are cooking, whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This is your dressing.
  6. Once the courgettes are done, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the torn Little Gem lettuce, griddled courgette, and crumbled feta. Drizzle your dressing over the top and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep the lettuce crisp!
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy the colors, the textures, and the flavors all coming together!

Pro Tip: If you find yourself with a little extra time, marinating the courgettes in your dressing before grilling adds another layer of flavor.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, let’s get playful! Here are a few fun variations and tips to keep things interesting:

  • Add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
  • Experiment with different cheeses—goat cheese or ricotta work wonderfully too!
  • If you love a little heat, add some crushed chili flakes to the dressing.
  • Swap out courgettes for aubergines or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

The beauty of this Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad is its flexibility. Feel free to make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

This salad works wonders as a main dish or a side. Picture this: serve it alongside some crusty bread, maybe a tangy tzatziki, or grilled chicken for protein. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate summer meal. Your friends will think you’re a culinary genius!

Storage Tips

Should you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence, I assure you), here’s how to keep them fresh:

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the lettuce might wilt a bit, but it will still taste great!
  • Don’t freeze this salad. The textures just won’t hold up well when thawed.
  • When reheating, if you want to enjoy it warm, warm up the courgette gently in a pan and then toss with fresh lettuce and feta—better than a microwave!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the griddled courgettes and the dressing ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve up. Dress the salad right before serving to keep the lettuce nice and crispy!

What if I don’t have Little Gem lettuce?

No problem! Any soft, leafy green works here. Think butter lettuce, arugula, or even spinach. Each will bring its unique charm to the salad.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Sure can! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some crispy bacon would be amazing additions, upping the heartiness and flavor!

What other veggies could I include?

Feel free to get creative! Shredded carrots, snap peas, or even cherry tomatoes would make fantastic additions to this salad. Just remember to balance the textures!

Conclusion

And there you have it! This Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of what summer brings to our tables. I hope you give it a try and find joy in its vibrant flavors. Remember, food is best enjoyed when shared with loved ones, so gather around the table and relish every bite. I’d love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe—feel free to share your thoughts or any personal twists you gave it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Little Gem, Griddled Courgette & Feta Shake-Up Salad

Revamp Your Day with Little Gem Feta Griddled Salad


  • Author: antaki
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Discover a fresh twist with Little Gem griddled courgette feta in this vibrant salad Perfect for a healthy meal or side dish


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups Little Gem lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium courgettes, sliced into ½ inch rounds
  • 200g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a handful of fresh herbs (like mint or parsley)

  • Instructions

  • Preheat your griddle pan or a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil on the courgette slices and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
  • Add the courgette slices in a single layer to the pan, working in batches if needed.
  • Griddle the courgette for about 2-3 minutes on each side until tender with grill marks.
  • Whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl for the dressing.
  • Remove the courgettes from the pan and let them cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the torn Little Gem lettuce, griddled courgette, and crumbled feta.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss before serving.
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Salad
    • Method: Griddling
    • Cuisine: Mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 4 servings
    • Calories: 250 calories
    • Sugar: 3 grams
    • Fat: 18 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
    • Fiber: 4 grams
    • Protein: 10 grams

    Keywords: salad, courgette, feta, summer recipe

    Spread the love
    ADVERTISEMENT