Appetizers / Sides

Grilled Zucchini Caprese

6 Servings

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes

Kid-Friendly

Diet Style

GF
LC
V

Tools You'll Need

  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Baking dish
  • Tongs for grilling
  • Serving platter

Ingredients

  • 3 medium zucchinis, cut lengthwise (leaving stem end and bottom intact)
  • 6 vine ripened tomatoes, sliced about ½" thick
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced about ¼" thick
  • 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil + extra for drizzle at the end
  • Balsamic vinegar or glaze for drizzle (optional)
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat grill or pan

    Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

  2. Toss zucchini in oil, salt, and pepper

    Place zucchini in a large baking dish, toss with olive oil, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  3. Prepare tomatoes and cheese

    Lay the tomatoes and cheese out on a large cutting board, baking sheet, or clean kitchen counter. Sprinkle each piece with salt and pepper on both sides.

  4. Grill zucchini

    Place zucchini cut side down on the preheated grill and cook until a sharp paring knife pierces the skin easily, roughly 3–5 minutes per side.

  5. Layer tomatoes and cheese on grilled zucchini

    Remove the zucchini from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. With the cut side of the zucchini facing up, top each half with mozzarella cheese and sliced tomatoes in an overlapping pattern.

  6. Serve or store

    Just before serving, top with basil then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. If you plan to enjoy this dish tomorrow, save the basil, oil, and balsamic for after the Caprese has reached room temperature.*

Chef Gary in YMCA chef uniform

Chef's Note:

This dish is a great, fresh appetizer for any night of the week. You can easily replace the zucchini with sliced eggplant, but keep in mind grill times will be a bit shorter.

*This can also be made up to 3 hours in advance, just refrigerate and bring back to room temperature prior to serving.

Nutrition Info

Per Each Serving

  • Calories

    249

  • Fat

    19g

  • Saturated Fat

    7g

  • Protein

    11g

  • Total Carbs

    11g

  • Fiber

    3g

  • Sugar

    8g

  • Sodium

    285mg

  • Cholesterol

    11mg