Melitzanosalata, a delightful Greek eggplant salad, offers a vibrant blend of flavors and textures. It combines the smoky sweetness of grilled eggplant with the acidity of tomato vinegar and the freshness of parsley. This vegan and gluten-free dish is a delectable appetizer, dip, or side dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MELITZANOSALATA - TRADITIONAL GREEK EGGPLANT SALAD RECIPE
Melitzanosalata is a tasty Greek appetizer traditionally served aside meats, pita bread, and other sauces. This eggplant salad is a delicious and healthy starter, but it also a perfect ingredient for a sandwich or a Pita Gyro. I love preparing this vegan small plate along with Tzatziki sauce, Souvlaki, and Greek salad. This kind of meal remembers me my days in Greece: closing my eyes, and breathing deeply, I can still feel the flavors of the olive groves and Mediterranean sea!
Provided by Filippo Trapella - philosokitchen.com
Time 1h20m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- First of all, preheat the oven to 390° F (200° C).
- After that, rinse and dry the eggplants, then holes a few times the skin of the vegetables with a fork.
- Place the eggplants on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake, 45 mins to 80 mins depending on the size of the eggplants, until very tender and wrinkled, flipping them a couple of times.
- This step can also be done with a charcoal or electric grill.
- Once incredibly tender, cut the eggplant still hot into halves and scoop the pulp.
- Pour the pulp into a colander, add a pinch of salt, and let it lose the vegetation water stirring and pressing with a spoon occasionally until it reaches room temperature.
- While the eggplant pulp is reaching the room temperature, combine the olive oil with red onion, garlic, black pepper, and vinegar.
- Mix it all until smooth and consistent.
- Now, mince the eggplant pulp with a knife, then mince the fresh parsley as well.
- Finally, combine the eggplants, the parsley, and the vinaigrette, stirring and serving along with, pita, meats, and other Greek small plates.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 287 calories, Carbohydrate 27 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 3 grams protein, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 150 grams sodium, Sugar 10 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams unsaturated fat
MELITZANOSALATA AGIORITIKI (ATHENIAN EGGPLANT SALAD)
There are different ways to make eggplant salad, a very common summer salad in my country. This is a version called 'agioritiki' named from mount Athos (Agion Oros). It's refreshing with smoky flavor and can stay refrigerated up to three days. Serve it as a salad or on top of whole-wheat bread slices.
Provided by constantina
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes
Time 1h50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
- Pierce the eggplant a few times with the tip of a paring knife or fork. Cook eggplant on preheated grill, turning often, until the skin is charred and the eggplant is tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Remove the skin from the eggplant and dice the pulp. Place into a mixing bowl, and add tomato, onion, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and feta cheese; mix well. Refrigerate for one hour, and season to taste with salt before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 99.1 calories, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 179.1 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
MELITZANOSALATA (GRILLED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH TOMATO, VINEGAR, AND PARSLEY)
The recipe for this exotic salad is from "The New Greek Cuisine" by Jim Botsacos.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat grill pan over high heat. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet; set aside.
- Pierce each eggplant in a few places with a fork. Lightly oil grill pan with vegetable oil. Place eggplants on the grill pan and top with a heavy, flat lid, turning occasionally to prevent burning, until the eggplants are soft and the skin is black, about 15 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer eggplants to reserved baking sheet to cool.
- When eggplants are cool, peel and discard the skin as well as any accumulated juices. Coarsely chop the eggplant and place it in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add garlic, onion, and tomatoes; beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Add yogurt, and beat for an additional minute.
- With the mixer still on medium speed, slowly add vinegar and lemon juice. When blended, with the mixer still running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady steam. Begin adding seltzer, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture is slightly thick yet light and relatively loose. Stir in parsley and oregano; season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a nonreactive container, cover, and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight before serving with warm pita triangles.
GRILLED MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT & TOMATO SALAD
A friend of mine served a delicious grilled eggplant salad when she had me over for dinner, and I was so inspired that I went home and re-created it! -Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Brush eggplant with 2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with thyme and oregano. Grill, covered, over medium heat 3-4 minutes on each side or until tender. When cool enough to handle, cut into bite-size pieces., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir 5-7 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine to pan; cook, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Bring to a boil; cook 2-3 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated. , In a large bowl, combine eggplant, mushroom mixture, tomatoes, parsley and vinegar. Add cheese; toss to combine.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- To choose the best eggplants for the salad, look for ones that are small and firm, with no blemishes or bruises. Young eggplants will have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
- When grilling the eggplants, make sure to cook them until they are tender and slightly charred. This will give the salad a smoky flavor.
- If you don't have a grill, you can also roast the eggplants in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender.
- To make the salad ahead of time, simply roast or grill the eggplants and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply combine the eggplants with the other ingredients.
Conclusion:
Melitzanosalata is a delicious and versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a dip, a spread, or a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover grilled or roasted eggplants, and it's a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
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