Mediterranean Eggplant Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Eggplant Salad is a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients that captures the essence of summer. The tender, sautéed eggplant pairs beautifully with crisp green peppers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime juice, all brought together by the aromatic presence of garlic and fresh parsley. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a colorful side dish to grilled chicken or fish, this salad is best prepared a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
35
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 lb (peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes)
salt
2 teaspoons (for eggplant)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
garlic clove
1 large (peeled)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for garlic paste)
green pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
green chilies
2 tablespoons (canned, drained and diced)
tomatoes
2 small (diced and seeded)
pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the eggplant and cutting it into 1/2 inch cubes.
2
Sprinkle the diced eggplant generously with 2 teaspoons of salt and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
3
After 30 minutes, rinse the salted eggplant well under cold water, draining thoroughly, and then pat dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess salt.
4
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low to medium heat. Add the dried eggplant cubes and sauté until they are tender and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
5
While the eggplant cools, prepare the garlic paste by mashing the garlic clove with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until it forms a smooth paste.
6
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the garlic paste, drained green chilies, diced green pepper, chopped parsley, and diced tomatoes.
7
Add the cooled eggplant to the bowl, followed by the freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
8
Gently stir the ingredients together until fully combined.
9
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
5g
Carbs
0.7g
Protein
1.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Eggplant Salad?
It is a vibrant fusion of tender sautéed eggplant, crisp green peppers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime juice.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Mediterranean Eggplant Salad recipe is entirely vegan.
How many calories are in this salad?
There are 35 calories per serving.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
Why is the eggplant salted before cooking?
The eggplant is salted and left to sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
How long should the eggplant sit with salt?
It should sit with salt for 30 minutes.
Should I rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, rinse the eggplant well under cold water, drain thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
What size should the eggplant cubes be?
They should be diced into 1/2 inch cubes.
How is the eggplant cooked?
The eggplant is sautéed in olive oil over medium-low to medium heat.
How long do you sauté the eggplant?
Sauté the eggplant cubes for approximately 5-7 minutes until tender and golden brown.
Is fresh lime juice required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
What type of parsley is used in the salad?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of chopped flat leaf parsley.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
One large garlic clove is used to make the garlic paste.
Does the salad need to be chilled?
Yes, the salad should be refrigerated for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for 2 to 3 hours.
Is this salad a good choice for a picnic?
Yes, it is a refreshing addition to picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for grilled meals.
What is the fat content of the salad?
The salad contains 1.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad contains 0.7g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 1.3g of fiber per serving.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be diced and seeded.
What type of green chilies are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of canned, drained, and diced green chilies.
What can I serve with Mediterranean Eggplant Salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
How do I make the garlic paste?
Mash the garlic clove with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until it forms a smooth paste.
How much eggplant is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of eggplant.
What type of oil is used to sauté the eggplant?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It is a zesty, fresh, and aromatic salad with summer flavors.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy and simple to make.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this Mediterranean Eggplant Salad.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it is best prepared a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.