Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta

Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that brings out the best in summer vegetables. The smoky, charred flavor of the grilled veggies pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy feta, creating a dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. Ready to bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table? Let’s dive in!

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Recipe Overview

Dish Type	Appetizer, Side Dish, or Main
Serving Size	4 servings
Difficulty Level	Easy
Cooking Time	15 minutes
Overall Prep Time	30 minutes
Calories	~180 kcal per serving

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Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta
2. Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta
3. Step-by-Step Preparation Method
   • Preparing the Vegetables
   • Grilling the Vegetables
   • Assembling the Dish
4. Tips for Perfect Grilled Vegetables
5. How to Serve Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta
6. Key Takeaways and Variations

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Why You’ll Love Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta

This dish is packed with bold flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of zucchini and eggplant is enhanced by grilling, while crumbled feta adds a creamy and tangy contrast. It’s versatile enough to serve as a light vegetarian main, a side dish, or even a component of a Mediterranean-inspired platter.

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Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta

For the Grilled Vegetables:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch strips
• 1 large eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Garnish:

• ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or vinegar (optional)

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Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Slice the vegetables: Cut the zucchini lengthwise and the eggplant into rounds. Keep slices consistent for even cooking.
2. Season the vegetables: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the zucchini and eggplant slices.

Step 2: Grilling the Vegetables

1. Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the eggplant: Place the eggplant slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender with visible grill marks.
3. Grill the zucchini: Add the zucchini slices to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly softened and charred.
4. Remove and rest: Transfer the grilled vegetables to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the Dish

1. Arrange the vegetables: Layer the grilled zucchini and eggplant on a large serving platter.
2. Add the garnishes: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, mint leaves (if using), and lemon zest over the vegetables.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze: For extra depth of flavor, lightly drizzle balsamic glaze or vinegar over the dish.

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Tips for Perfect Grilled Vegetables

• Uniform Slices: Cutting the vegetables evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave space between slices for even grilling and to prevent steaming.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini, eggplant, and herbs elevate the dish’s flavor.
• Pre-Salt the Eggplant: For a less bitter taste, sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes. Pat dry before grilling.

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How to Serve Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant with Feta

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Grains: Serve alongside quinoa, couscous, or rice for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Proteins: Pair with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a hearty Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
• Bread: Enjoy with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

Diet Compatibility:

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This recipe is suitable for the following diets:
Mediterranean Diet: The use of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and feta cheese makes it an ideal fit for the Mediterranean diet.
Keto Diet: The dish is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect option for those on a keto diet.
Low-FODMAP Diet: The recipe uses Low-FODMAP vegetables (zucchini and eggplant) and garlic-infused olive oil, making it suitable for those following a Low-FODMAP diet.
Gluten-Free Diet: As all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, this dish is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Plant-Based Diet (with modification): By omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a dairy-free option, this recipe can be adapted to suit a plant-based diet.

Key Takeaways and Variations

1. Why This Dish Shines: The combination of smoky, charred vegetables with tangy feta and fresh herbs makes this dish light yet satisfying.
2. Flavor Variations:
   • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or drizzle with spicy harissa.
   • Nutty Twist: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.
3. Make It Vegan: Replace feta with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese for a plant-based alternative.