Eggplant Salad
A vibrant and flavorful eggplant salad featuring smoky roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and tangy Feta cheese, perfect for light meals or as a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Broil eggplant until soft, turning every 5 minutes.
- Peel and mash the inner part of the eggplant.
- Add garlic, salt, and olive oil to the mashed eggplant and mix well.
- Spread out the mixture on a serving dish.
- Sprinkle diced tomatoes and crumbled Feta cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the eggplant mixture. If eggplant is bitter, sprinkle with extra salt and let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute Feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese for a tangier taste. This salad can also be served as a dip, similar to Eggplant Appetizer (Baba Ghannuj).
Serving Suggestions
This Eggplant Salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean spread. Pair it with Garlic-Sauted Tomatoes or Mediterranean Couscous Salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great topping for toasted bread, transforming it into a delicious appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover eggplant salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, or serve it cold for a refreshing option. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant Salad contains roughly 418 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the eggplant mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the tomatoes and Feta cheese right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside other Mediterranean recipes for a flavorful feast.
How do I know when the eggplant is done broiling?
The eggplant is ready when it is soft and has a slightly charred skin. Check for softness by gently pressing with a fork; it should yield easily without being mushy.
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).