Grilled Vegetable Goat Cheese Salad (Print Version)

Smoky grilled vegetables paired with creamy goat cheese and balsamic dressing create a bright, fresh dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
03 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered
05 - 1 red onion, sliced into thick rings
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Cheese

07 - 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled

→ Greens

08 - 3.5 ounces mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or mesclun)

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

14 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn
15 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Lightly brush zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
03 - Grill vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes per side until tender and charred; remove and let cool slightly.
04 - Whisk remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
05 - Arrange salad greens on a large platter; top with grilled vegetables and halved cherry tomatoes.
06 - Drizzle dressing over the salad; scatter crumbled goat cheese and garnish with basil leaves and toasted pine nuts if desired; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Light main or colorful side dish
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free
02 -
  • Substitute other seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or mushrooms as desired
  • For added protein top with grilled chicken or chickpeas
03 -
  • Use fresh seasonal vegetables for best flavor
  • Make the dressing ahead to let flavors meld
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