This warm eggplant salad recipe combines roasted eggplant chunks with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. It is a perfect side dish or light meal option. The warm roasted eggplant adds depth of flavor and makes the salad extra satisfying. With a refreshing mix of flavors and textures, this salad is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplant, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into bite-sized chunks.
- Slice the red onion into thin wedges.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the vinaigrette.
- Add the eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl with the vinaigrette. Toss until the vegetables are well coated.
- Transfer the coated vegetables to a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and lightly browned.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly.
- Serve the warm eggplant salad garnished with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Eggplant is one of the few vegetables that absorbs flavor like a sponge, making it perfect for marinades and dressings.
Roasting the eggplant and vegetables adds a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve in a raw salad.
The combination of the tangy vinaigrette and the sweetness of the roasted vegetables creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile.