Grilled Zucchini and Bulgur Salad With Feta and Preserved-Lemon Dressing

walnutbulgurzucchinihoneygarlicpepperfetaparsleymintlemonsaladlunchsidegrainssummervegetablevegetarianfourth of julylabor daybackyard bbq


Hetty McKinnon
4 main-course servings or 6–8 side servings


Ingredients

Method

Toast walnuts in a dry medium skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool. Coarsely chop.

Wipe out skillet and toast bulgur, stirring often, until a shade darker and starting to smell like popcorn, about 3 minutes. Add ¼ tsp. salt and 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until liquid is almost completely evaporated, 8–10 minutes. Cover skillet and remove from heat. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Prepare a grill for high heat. (Or, heat a grill pan over high.) Trim ends of zucchini; slice lengthwise into long ¼"-thick planks. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and arrange zucchini in a single layer on rack (you can also do this in a large bowl if you don’t have a wire rack). Drizzle with oil and season with salt. Toss zucchini, rubbing with your hands, to coat completely with oil.

Grill zucchini, undisturbed, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes. Turn over and grill on other side until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes. Return to wire rack (or a colander set in a bowl) to drain; let cool slightly, Transfer to a cutting board and slice on a diagonal into 1" pieces.

Whisk preserved lemon paste, honey, garlic, and remaining ¼ cup oil in a large bowl to combine; season with pepper (lemon paste and feta should make it salty enough). Add bulgur and feta and toss to combine. Set some of zucchini, parsley, and mint aside for serving, then add remaining zucchini and herbs to salad; toss gently to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Transfer salad to a platter. Top with reserved zucchini and herbs. Scatter walnuts over. Serve salad with lemon wedges for squeezing over.