Aubergine Salad(Lebanese; International; Heart Healthy)
A vibrant Lebanese aubergine salad with smoky grilled eggplant, fresh vegetables, and tangy lemon dressing, perfect for light, healthy, and flavorful meals or mezze platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grill the aubergines until charred and soft, then peel and mash the pulp.
- Finely chop the small onion.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed aubergine, chopped onion, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a paste.
- Serve the aubergine mixture on lettuce leaves, garnished with olives, tomato slices, and green pepper slices.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and additional onions.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best flavor, allow the grilled aubergine to cool slightly before mashing to enhance the smokiness. If you want a creamier texture, consider mixing in some Nondairy Tofu Sour Cream. Adjust the acidity of the dish by modifying the lemon juice and vinegar to your taste. For added depth, try incorporating spices like cumin or smoked paprika into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This aubergine salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus and tabbouleh. Serve it as a refreshing starter or light lunch on its own, or with pita bread. Consider adding olives, tomato slices, and green pepper slices for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover aubergine salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it again, allow it to come to room temperature or gently reheat in a microwave. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can change the texture of the salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aubergine Salad(Lebanese; International; Heart Healthy) contains roughly 55 calories, with 0g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other ingredients to enhance the salad?
Absolutely! You can add roasted red peppers or diced cucumbers for extra crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro also work well, giving the salad a fresh twist. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors to maintain the heart-healthy aspect.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, but it's best to add any garnishes like lettuce or fresh vegetables just before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I serve alongside this salad?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, and goes well with Middle Eastern staples like pita bread or stuffed grape leaves. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).