Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad
Highlighted under: Around the World Recipes
I love how this Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad combines robust flavors and vibrant colors. The smoky eggplant contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Preparing this dish feels like a mini escape to the Mediterranean, with its rich and fresh ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for a light dinner or a delightful side at gatherings. Plus, it's easy to customize based on whatever you have on hand, making it a versatile staple in my kitchen.
When I first made this Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad, I was amazed at how well the flavors melded together. Roasting the eggplant until it's golden and tender brings out its natural sweetness, while the garlic adds depth. I love to finish it off with fresh herbs, which elevate the whole dish.
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side for grilled meats. A tip I discovered is to allow it to sit for a bit after mixing; this helps the dressing penetrate the vegetables, creating a more harmonious flavor profile.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smoky roasted eggplant adds depth and flavor
- Fresh herbs bring a burst of brightness
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite veggies
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create the perfect salad.
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix these ingredients together for a delightful flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare the salad.
Roast the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced eggplants with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly and roast for about 25 minutes, or until golden and tender.
Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the roasted eggplant, red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss lightly to mix the vegetables together.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and add the parsley and mint. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean salad!
Pro Tips
- To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding feta cheese or olives for added creaminess and brininess.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh.
→ What can I substitute for eggplant?
If you're not a fan of eggplant, zucchini or roasted bell peppers work well as substitutes.
→ Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad
I love how this Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad combines robust flavors and vibrant colors. The smoky eggplant contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Preparing this dish feels like a mini escape to the Mediterranean, with its rich and fresh ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for a light dinner or a delightful side at gatherings. Plus, it's easy to customize based on whatever you have on hand, making it a versatile staple in my kitchen.
Created by: Brittany Shaw
Recipe Type: Around the World Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced eggplants with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly and roast for about 25 minutes, or until golden and tender.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted eggplant, red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss lightly to mix the vegetables together.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and add the parsley and mint. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Extra Tips
- To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding feta cheese or olives for added creaminess and brininess.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 4g