Description
Smashed grilled zucchini with za’atar and labneh is a vibrant summer dish that combines smoky, marinated zucchini with creamy labneh, fresh mint, and crunchy pistachios. It’s packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and perfect as a side or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
4 medium (8-ounce) zucchini (about 2 pounds total)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely grated
2 teaspoons za’atar seasoning
3/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups labneh
1/4 cup olive oil (for labneh mixture)
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (for labneh mixture)
3 tablespoons lemon juice (for labneh mixture)
1 clove garlic, finely grated (for labneh mixture)
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
1/3 cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped
Za’atar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Trim the zucchini and cut each in half crosswise. Gently smash using a meat mallet to create rough edges.
- In a large dish, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, za’atar, Aleppo pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss in the smashed zucchini and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Whisk labneh with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the zucchini in a grill basket for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until charred and tender.
- Return grilled zucchini to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Spread labneh on a serving platter, top with grilled zucchini, scatter mint and pistachios, and sprinkle generously with za’atar before serving.
Notes
- Thick Greek yogurt or whipped feta can be used instead of labneh.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are a good substitute for Aleppo pepper.
- Use dill or parsley in place of mint for a different herbal twist.
- Serve over couscous, farro, or flatbread for a heartier dish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; keep labneh and zucchini separate if possible.
- Reheat zucchini in a skillet or microwave briefly; do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main or Side Dish
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
