Vibrant purple circles of grilled eggplant fill the base of the plate. An array of diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes halved and red onions lends a lively color contrast. A golden drizzle of honey lemon vinaigrette dresses the top of the salad. Croutons are sprinkled around, with a final garnish of fresh mint leaves.

Grilled Eggplant Salad with a Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

Name: Grilled Eggplant Salad with a Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: medium eggplant, 1 medium Sliced into 1/2 inch rounds; cherry tomatoes, 1 cup Halved; medium cucumber, 1 medium Peeled and diced; red onion, 1/2 Thinly sliced; croutons, 1/2 cup; honey, 1 tablespoon; lemons, 2 Juiced; olive oil, 2 tablespoons; fresh mint leaves, A handful For garnish; salt, To taste; pepper, To taste

Category Main Course

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 10 minutes

Style Fusion

Technique Grilling

Diet Friendly Mediterranean

Daily Recipe: August 03, 2024

An alluring fusion of Mediterranean and American favorites, this dish celebrates the farm-fresh summer produce. The star of our plate, eggplant, is bold in flavor, and pairs stunningly with zesty cherry tomatoes and refreshing cucumber for a delectable balance. A sprinkle of crunchy croutons lend an appetizingly satisfying crunch to this cheery summer salad.

Ingredients (for 2)

Medium eggplant - 1 medium - Sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup - Halved
Medium cucumber - 1 medium - Peeled and diced
Red onion - 1/2 - Thinly sliced
Croutons - 1/2 cup
Honey - 1 tablespoon
Lemons - 2 - Juiced
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Fresh mint leaves - A handful - For garnish
Salt - To taste
Pepper - To taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🍆🖌

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush both sides of the 1/2 inch eggplant rounds with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2 - 🍆🔥⏲

Place the eggplant on the grill, cooking until golden brown and slightly charred for about 4 minutes per side.
Step 3 - 🍯🍋🥣

In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, the juice of 2 lemons, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
Step 4 - 🥗🍅🥒🍆

In a large bowl, combine the grilled eggplant, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 thinly sliced red onion.
Step 5 - 🥗💦🔄

Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 6 - 🥗🍽🌱

Divide the salad among servings plates and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of croutons. Garnish with a handful of fresh mint leaves before serving.

Additional

Though the recipe calls for cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, feel free to use any of your favorite summer veggies. For an added protein boost, consider topping this refreshing salad with some grilled chicken or fish. Kids will have a great time mixing the salad, drizzling the vinaigrette and sprinkling the croutons!