Description
Mediterranean Eggplant Salad is a fresh and smoky dish that features roasted eggplant as its primary ingredient. The eggplant is paired with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onions, garlic, herbs like parsley and mint, and optionally topped with feta cheese or vegan alternatives. The salad is dressed with a lemony, garlicky vinaigrette made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of vinegar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1½ lbs/700 g), cut into ½″ (1 cm) cubes
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint (optional)
- 2 Tbsp capers, drained (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or vegan feta (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Roast the Eggplant
- Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
- Toss eggplant cubes with 2 Tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Spread in a single layer and roast 25–30 min, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Veggies & Herbs
- In a large bowl, combine sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, parsley, mint, and capers.
- Make the Dressing
- Whisk together 3 Tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Salad
- Add the warm eggplant to the veggie–herb mixture.
- Pour dressing over top and toss gently to coat.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors.
- Finish & Serve
- Garnish with crumbled feta (or vegan feta) if desired.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, alongside pita, grilled meats, or as a standalone salad.
Notes
Smoky, savory, and full of flavor—this eggplant salad is a refreshing twist on traditional sides. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a perfect complement to grilled dishes or warm flatbreads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Eggplant Salad