Marinated Grilled Zucchini with Oregano and Dried-Tomato Vinaigrette

By Things Cooks Love: Reprinted with permission of Andrews McMeel Publishing, recipes by Marie Simmons, photography by Ben Fink
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Marinated Grilled Zucchini with Oregano and Dried-Tomato Vinaigrette
Serves
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Zucchini:
  • 3 medium (about 5 ounces each) zucchini
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons finely slivered olive oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and patted dry, for garnish


Procedure
Zucchini is mild flavored, so it is the perfect canvas for the bold tastes of fresh oregano and dried tomatoes. Use your best extra-virgin olive oil and aged red wine vinegar for the dressing.

Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and a grinding of black pepper, and whisk until blended.

Zucchini: Trim the stem and blossom ends from the zucchini. With a mandoline or chef's knife, cut each zucchini lengthwise into 5 slices each about ¼ inch thick, and then spread the slices in a single layer on a platter.

Heat the grill pan over medium heat until hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle on contact.

While the pan is heating, brush the zucchini slices on both sides with a film of the vinaigrette. Working in batches, place the zucchini on the pan and grill for 4 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Turn with tongs and grill the other side for 4 minutes, or until tender. As each batch is cooked, return the slices to the platter.

Sprinkle the zucchini slices lightly with salt. Whisk the oregano into the remaining vinaigrette and drizzle on top of the zucchini. Sprinkle with the tomato slivers. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Marinated Grilled Zucchini with Oregano and Dried-Tomato Vinaigrette

By Things Cooks Love: Reprinted with permission of Andrews McMeel Publishing, recipes by Marie Simmons, photography by Ben Fink
Serves
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or pressed
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Zucchini:
  • 3 medium (about 5 ounces each) zucchini
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons finely slivered olive oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and patted dry, for garnish


Procedure
Zucchini is mild flavored, so it is the perfect canvas for the bold tastes of fresh oregano and dried tomatoes. Use your best extra-virgin olive oil and aged red wine vinegar for the dressing.

Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and a grinding of black pepper, and whisk until blended.

Zucchini: Trim the stem and blossom ends from the zucchini. With a mandoline or chef's knife, cut each zucchini lengthwise into 5 slices each about ¼ inch thick, and then spread the slices in a single layer on a platter.

Heat the grill pan over medium heat until hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle on contact.

While the pan is heating, brush the zucchini slices on both sides with a film of the vinaigrette. Working in batches, place the zucchini on the pan and grill for 4 minutes, or until grill marks appear. Turn with tongs and grill the other side for 4 minutes, or until tender. As each batch is cooked, return the slices to the platter.

Sprinkle the zucchini slices lightly with salt. Whisk the oregano into the remaining vinaigrette and drizzle on top of the zucchini. Sprinkle with the tomato slivers. Serve warm or at room temperature.