Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini and Tomato Salad
Crisp zucchini and cherry tomatoes tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing with fresh herbs and feta. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds zucchini
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/4 cup, crumbled (optional) feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium sliced zucchinis and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over cooked zucchini and toss to coat. Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and gently toss.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- Step 5: Serve at room temperature for a bright, refreshing summer salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini and Tomato Salad take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini and Tomato Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini and Tomato Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini and Tomato Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini and Tomato Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to salads dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.