QUICK-PICKLED ZUCCHINI SALAD

Quick-Pickled Zucchini Salad image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups white wine vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Small bundle fresh dill, tied with butcher's twine
3 large zucchini, diced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
Place a saucepot over direct heat. Add the vinegar, 1 cup water, sugar, salt, garlic and dill and bring to a boil while whisking to dissolve the sugar.
Add the zucchini to a large bowl and pour the pickling liquid over. Let stand until the zucchini are pickled but still firm, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the zucchini from the pickling liquid and drain slightly in a colander set over a large bowl. Discard the garlic and dill.
To assemble the salad: Place the pickled zucchini onto a platter. Distribute the mozzarella and tomatoes evenly over top. Zest the lemon over top and squeeze the lemon juice all over. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature.
(Alternatively, you can boil the pickling liquid over medium-high heat on a stovetop.)