Eggplant Caprese with Grilled Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Health score
19%
Eggplant Caprese with Grilled Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette
45 min.
6
311kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with our Eggplant Caprese with Grilled Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette, a dish that beautifully combines freshness and richness. This visually stunning, vegetarian, and gluten-free recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you're looking for a delightful side dish, a light lunch, or a satisfying main course. Ready in just 45 minutes, it serves six, making it ideal for gatherings with friends and family.

The star of this dish is the globe eggplant, grilled to perfection, offering a slight char that enhances its natural sweetness. Paired with luscious heirloom tomatoes, this recipe showcases the best of seasonal produce, highlighting the diverse colors and flavors of fresh ingredients. Creamy buffalo mozzarella adds a luxurious touch, bringing a delightful contrast to the grilled vegetables.

What sets this dish apart is the homemade basil vinaigrette, which infuses each bite with aromatic notes of fresh basil and a tangy kick from white wine vinegar. It not only elevates the taste but also adds a beautiful finishing touch to the presentation. As you layer the eggplant, cheese, and tomatoes on your platter, you'll create a colorful centerpiece that will impress your guests.

Bring the essence of a rustic Italian summer into your kitchen with this Eggplant Caprese. It's a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 0.3 cup basil fresh chopped for garnish
  • pound eggplant trimmed
  • pounds heirloom tomatoes assorted thinly sliced ( 4 large) (preferably colors)
  • 14 ounce buffalo mozzarella cheese fresh drained thinly sliced
  • 0.3 cup olive oil 
  • ounces plum tomatoes 
  • tablespoon citrus champagne vinegar 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • baking sheet
  • blender
  • grill
  • aluminum foil

Directions

  1. Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Arrange eggplant slices on baking sheet.
  2. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until slightly charred and tender, turning occasionally and moving to cook evenly, about 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer to foil-lined baking sheet. Grill plum tomato until skin is charred and split, turning often, about 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer to sheet with eggplant and cool. Core plum tomato; place in blender.
  5. Add chopped basil, vinegar, and 1/4 cup oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer to small bowl. DO AHEAD Eggplant and dressing can be made 2 hours ahead.
  7. Let stand at room temperature.
  8. Overlap eggplant slices, cheese slices, and heirloom tomato slices on individual plates or large platter.
  9. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  10. Drizzle salad with dressing and garnish with basil sprigs.

Nutrition Facts

Calories311kcal
Protein18.57%
Fat65.82%
Carbs15.61%

Properties

Glycemic Index
29.33
Glycemic Load
2.4
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
16.031739311374%

Flavonoids

Delphinidin
64.78mg
Naringenin
1.16mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Kaempferol
0.15mg
Myricetin
0.22mg
Quercetin
1.02mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:311.11kcal
15.56%
Fat:23.4g
36%
Saturated Fat:9.97g
62.3%
Carbohydrates:12.49g
4.16%
Net Carbohydrates:8.16g
2.97%
Sugar:7.73g
8.59%
Cholesterol:50.27mg
16.76%
Sodium:281mg
12.22%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:14.86g
29.71%
Calcium:1501.53mg
150.15%
Vitamin A:3456.02IU
69.12%
Vitamin C:25.22mg
30.57%
Vitamin K:27.03µg
25.75%
Manganese:0.39mg
19.29%
Potassium:624.91mg
17.85%
Fiber:4.33g
17.32%
Vitamin E:2.45mg
16.35%
Folate:43.05µg
10.76%
Vitamin B6:0.2mg
10.08%
Copper:0.17mg
8.35%
Vitamin B3:1.51mg
7.57%
Magnesium:30.25mg
7.56%
Vitamin B1:0.09mg
6.19%
Phosphorus:59.91mg
5.99%
Iron:1mg
5.56%
Vitamin B5:0.37mg
3.67%
Vitamin B2:0.06mg
3.61%
Zinc:0.42mg
2.81%
Source:Epicurious