Barbecued Fish with Grilled Zucchini & Lentil Salad

Looking for a healthy seafood meal that’s fresh, satisfying and easy to prepare? This Barbecued Fish with Grilled Zucchini and Lentil Salad combines perfectly grilled white fish with charred zucchini, squash, lentils and fresh herbs for a nutritious Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Packed with lean protein, fibre and vibrant vegetables, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, outdoor entertaining or healthy meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes
High in protein
Rich in fibre
Mediterranean-inspired flavours
Light yet filling
Perfect for barbecues
Healthy and nutritious

Ingredients

For the Fish

Firm white fish fillets
Fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh dill

For the Grilled Vegetables

Green zucchini
Yellow squash

For the Lentil Salad

No-added-salt lentils
Tomato medley mix
Fresh parsley
Baby capers
White balsamic vinegar
Lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil

To Serve

Lemon wedges
Extra fresh dill

Why White Fish Is a Great Choice

White fish is naturally lean and packed with nutrients.

Benefits include:

High-quality protein
Low saturated fat
Essential minerals
Easy digestion
Mild flavour that pairs with many ingredients

Popular options include:

Barramundi
Snapper
Flathead
Whiting
Cod

The Benefits of Lentils

Lentils add substance and nutrition to this salad.

They provide:

Plant-based protein
Dietary fibre
Iron
Folate
Magnesium

Combined with fish, they create a balanced meal that supports sustained energy and satiety.

How to Make Barbecued Fish with Lentil Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Fish

Combine:

Lemon juice
Olive oil
Fresh dill

Coat the fish and allow it to marinate briefly while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Grill the Fish

Cook the fish on a hot barbecue or chargrill until:

Lightly charred
Tender
Flaky throughout

Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

Cook the zucchini and squash until:

Lightly charred
Tender
Still holding their shape

Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 4: Prepare the Salad

Combine:

Lentils
Tomatoes
Parsley
Capers
Grilled vegetables

Dress with:

Lemon juice
Olive oil
White balsamic vinegar
Fresh dill

Toss gently.

Step 5: Serve

Divide the lentil salad among serving plates.

Top with the grilled fish and finish with:

Extra dill
Lemon wedges

Health Benefits

Fish

Provides:

Lean protein
B vitamins
Selenium
Heart-friendly nutrients

Zucchini and Squash

Rich in:

Vitamin C
Fibre
Antioxidants
Potassium

Tomatoes

Contain:

Lycopene
Vitamin C
Antioxidants

Fresh Herbs

Dill and parsley contribute:

Fresh flavour
Vitamins and minerals
Antioxidant properties

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Fish

Fish should remain moist and flake easily when cooked.

Use a Hot Grill

A hot barbecue creates attractive char marks and enhances flavour.

Drain Lentils Well

Properly drained lentils help prevent a watery salad.

Let the Vegetables Cool Slightly

Warm vegetables absorb the dressing more effectively.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Crusty sourdough bread
Quinoa
Brown rice
Roasted sweet potato
Mixed leafy greens

Variations

Change the Fish

Try:

Barramundi
Salmon
Snapper
Trout

Add More Vegetables

Include:

Capsicum
Eggplant
Asparagus
Broccolini

Add Extra Herbs

Fresh herbs that work well include:

Mint
Basil
Coriander

Make It More Filling

Serve alongside:

Couscous
Freekeh
Brown rice

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Meal Prep

The lentil salad can be made ahead and stored separately from the fish.

Reheating

Reheat the fish gently or enjoy it cold over the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned lentils?

Yes. Canned lentils are convenient and work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I cook the fish in a frying pan?

Absolutely. A non-stick frying pan or grill pan works well.

What fish is best for grilling?

Firm white fish such as barramundi, snapper or flathead are excellent choices.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes. The salad can be prepared several hours in advance.

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving, this recipe provides approximately:

31.6g protein
287 calories
High fibre content
Healthy fats
Fresh vegetables and herbs

Final Thoughts

This Barbecued Fish with Grilled Zucchini and Lentil Salad is a fresh, wholesome seafood dish that combines lean protein, nutritious vegetables and Mediterranean flavours in one easy meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.