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Grilled zucchini caprese stacks beautifully plated on a white marble board, drizzled with balsamic glaze and garnished with fresh basil leaves

Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or cast-iron grill pan
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife or mandoline
  • Small saucepan (for homemade glaze)
  • Paper towels
  • Sheet pan
  • Serving platter

Ingredients
  

For the Grilled Zucchini

  • 3 medium zucchini about 7-8 inches long, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for the grill grates
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for salting and resting
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Caprese Stacks

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella packed in water, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes heirloom or beefsteak, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 20 large fresh basil leaves whole
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze store-bought thick reduction or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for finishing drizzle
  • flaky sea salt for finishing, such as Maldon
  • freshly ground black pepper for finishing

Optional Homemade Balsamic Glaze

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar good quality
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions
 

Prep the Zucchini

  • Slice the zucchini into ¼-inch rounds and lay them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined sheet pan. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  • Pat the zucchini rounds completely dry with paper towels — this is key for good grill marks. Transfer to a bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Make the Balsamic Glaze (if homemade)

  • Combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes until reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool — it will thicken more as it cools.

Grill the Zucchini

  • Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to high heat (450°F or higher). Oil the grates generously by rubbing them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil, held with tongs.
  • Place the zucchini rounds in a single layer on the hot grill. Do not crowd them. Grill without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until deep grill marks appear and the edges begin to look translucent.
  • Flip each round with tongs and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side until tender all the way through but not mushy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Assemble the Caprese Stacks

  • On a serving platter or individual plates, begin each stack with a grilled zucchini round as the base. Top with a slice of fresh mozzarella, then a tomato slice, then a basil leaf.
  • Repeat the layers — zucchini, mozzarella, tomato, basil — for two to three tiers per stack, depending on the size of your ingredients and your preference.
  • Finish each stack with a final grilled zucchini round on top, then drizzle generously with balsamic glaze and a little extra-virgin olive oil. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Garnish with any remaining fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while the zucchini is still warm.

Notes

Storage: These stacks are best assembled and eaten immediately. Store any leftover grilled zucchini and sliced mozzarella separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not store assembled stacks — the tomatoes will make them watery. | Upgrade: Swap fresh mozzarella for burrata for an ultra-creamy, dramatic presentation. | Make it heartier: Add a thin slice of prosciutto di Parma between layers. | Grill pan method: A cast-iron grill pan over high heat works beautifully indoors — preheat for at least 5 minutes before adding the zucchini.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSodium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g
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