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Grilled Smoky Eggplant Salad

Rating: 4.5 stars
2 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 1
  • 4 star values: 1
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The mellow grilled eggplant melds perfectly with the smoked paprika and tart sherry vinegar that define the flavor of the dressing in this decidedly Spanish salad. Curls of mild Manchego complete the Spanish theme. If you can't find smoked paprika, substitute Hungarian paprika--the grilled eggplant brings some smoke to the salad on its own.

Cheryl & Bill Jamison
Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2007

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Recipe Summary

total:
45 mins
Servings:
6

Nutrition Profile:

Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Preheat grill to medium.

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  • Cut stripes in each eggplant's peel by running a vegetable peeler down the length of it and repeating at about 1-inch intervals. Slice the eggplants into rounds 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Lay them on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand for about 5 minutes.

  • Blot the eggplant slices with paper towels and lightly coat both sides with olive oil cooking spray. Grill the eggplant, flipping halfway through, until soft and browned on both sides, 9 to 11 minutes total.

  • Puree oil, vinegar, tomato, garlic, paprika and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender until well combined.

  • Toss salad greens with half the vinaigrette in a medium bowl. Arrange the eggplant slices on 6 salad plates. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Place the salad greens over and between the eggplant slices, then scatter the cheese curls on top of each salad. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare eggplant and vinaigrette (Steps 1-4), cover and refrigerate separately for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Note: To experience the full flavor of this salad, it's worth seeking out the two signature Spanish ingredients: mild- flavored, smooth sheep-milk Manchego cheese and smoked paprika. If you can't find them, substitute Parmigiano-Reggiano and Hungarian paprika.

Cut Down on Dishes: A rimmed baking sheet is great for everything from roasting to catching accidental drips and spills. For effortless cleanup and to keep your baking sheets in tip-top shape, line them with a layer of foil before each use.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
142 calories; protein 3.1g; carbohydrates 6.3g; dietary fiber 2.8g; sugars 3.3g; fat 11.8g; saturated fat 2.7g; cholesterol 6.8mg; vitamin a iu 1196.2IU; vitamin c 7.7mg; folate 50mcg; calcium 68.8mg; iron 0.6mg; magnesium 18.5mg; potassium 286.7mg; sodium 279.6mg; thiamin 0.1mg.
Exchanges:

1 vegetable, 2 fat

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Reviews (1)

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2 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 1
  • 4 star values: 1
  • 3 star values: 0
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
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EatingWell User
Rating: 4 stars
01/16/2012
I would have never thought of creating a salad dressing with the PUNCH of the smoked paprika but this was spectacular! Read More
EatingWell User
Rating: 5 stars
10/30/2011
I made this salad for the first time yesterday for my husband (a diabetic) and I and we had it as dinner instead of an appetizer. Although it didn't make much it was very filling. We both agree that this will be a regular in our household! I did make a couple of alterations one of which was a delightful accident. I cooked my eggplant on a grill pan on the stove but next time I bbq I will definitely try it on the charcoal grill. I could not find sherry vinegar so I used 3/4 Tablespoon of Red Wine Vinegar and 1/4 Tablespoon of Balsamic vinegar. I accidently used spinach instead of the baby greens but it was delicious. I used Parmigiano Reggiano cheese instead of the Manchego just because I had it on hand and didn't want to spend the additional on Manchego. My one piece of advice to anyone wanting to make this: DON'T skip using the smoked paprika! It makes all the difference. Read More
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