Grilled Zucchini with Herb Dressing

Here’s an easy side for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner. This flavourful herb-filled dressing, which is a cross between pesto and salsa verde with a hint of Caesar dressing, is versatile and great on grilled vegetables, chicken, steak, or fish.  The best part is that everything for the dressing gets tossed into a food processor or blender and it’s ready with the touch of a button.

Grilled zucchini reminds me of summer barbecues in my parent’s backyard with my dad at the grill and my dog Pucci on a lawn chair in the shade.

Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients like potassium, folate, and vitamin A.  Most of the nutrients are in the skin so make sure to leave the skin on.  Zucchini is also great fried in a Gwenyth Paltrow inspired pasta, and in these amazing vegan chocolate chip muffins.  But I really love zucchini best when it’s grilled and simply dressed with this minty pesto dressing.  Hope you enjoy.

Grilled Zucchini with Herb Dressing (serves 3 to 4 as a side)

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, cut diagonally into 1/4″ slices
• Non-stick cooking spray or canola oil
• Parmesan cheese shavings (omit for vegan version)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, omit for vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Special Equipment: Blender or food processor, grill pan/outdoor grill

Directions:

1. Preheat grill pan to medium-high heat.  When pan is quite hot and almost smoking, spray with non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush pan with oil.  Lay slices of zucchini onto grill pan in a single layer, and cook about 2 minutes each side, or until zucchini has charred grill marks.  Remove from pan and place in serving dish.  Repeat with remaining zucchini.
2. Meanwhile, place dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend.  Set aside.  Add more olive oil if too thick and blend.  Spoon over grilled zucchini and sprinkle with Parmesan shavings, drizzle with olive oil, and add  salt and pepper to taste.

PS – I don’t have access to an outdoor grill but if you have one, I would totally recommend using it for grilling instead of a grill pan indoors.  Unless it’s raining or snowing, both of happened last week.