Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Eggplant

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
45%
Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Eggplant
45 min.
8
143kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking for a dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and greens, look no further than our Salad of Fresh Herbs and Greens with Fried Eggplant. This delightful vegetarian recipe is not only vegan and gluten-free, but it's also a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a refreshing starter on its own.

The star of this salad is undoubtedly the fried eggplant. By removing the peel in a creative striped pattern and allowing the rounds to soften with kosher salt, we achieve an irresistibly tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, bright greens. The combination of arugula, fresh basil, mint, and parsley delivers a burst of flavor in every bite, while the tangy dressing made with Champagne vinegar and spices adds a layer of complexity to your palate.

This recipe is an excellent choice for gatherings, serving up to eight people, making it a splendid offering at your next dinner party or picnic. With just 143 calories per serving, it’s as light as it is satisfying. Plus, the option to garnish with colorful nasturtium blossoms elevates the presentation, creating a stunning dish that's almost too pretty to eat! Dive into this herbaceous delight, and let each bite transport you to a sunny, Mediterranean landscape!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups arugula loosely packed ()
  • cup baby spinach leaves fresh loosely packed ()
  • 0.3 cup chervil leaves fresh loosely packed ()
  • 0.3 cup inch pieces chives fresh loosely packed ()
  • servings coarse kosher salt 
  • 20 ounce eggplants 
  • cup basil leaves fresh loosely packed ()
  • cup mint leaves fresh loosely packed ()
  • 0.3 teaspoon ground cumin 
  • 0.3 teaspoon ground sumac ()
  • tablespoons juice of lemon fresh
  • tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin divided ()
  • 1.5 cups parsley leaves fresh italian loosely packed ()
  • small shallots minced

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • paper towels
  • whisk
  • colander
  • peeler

Directions

  1. Whisk shallot, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sumac, and cumin in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine herbs and greens in large bowl. (Dressing and salad can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
  3. Using vegetable peeler, remove eggplant peel in vertical strips every 1 to 1 1/2 inches, making striped pattern.
  4. Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick rounds.
  5. Place rounds in large colander.
  6. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Let stand until rounds soften and release moisture, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour. Rinse rounds, 1 at a time, and press to release excess moisture. Arrange rounds in single layer on several thicknesses of paper towels. Pat dry with additional towels.
  8. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry eggplant until golden and soft, adding more oil by tablespoonfuls as needed, about 2 minutes per side.
  9. Transfer eggplant to paper towels to drain.
  10. Overlap eggplant rounds on platter.
  11. Sprinkle with pepper and more sumac, if desired. Toss herbs and greens with dressing; season to taste with salt and pepper. Mound salad atop eggplant.
  12. Garnish with nasturtium blossoms, if desired, and serve.
  13. *A fruity and acidic seasoning powder made from ground dried sumac berries. It is available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail from Adriana's Caravan (adrianascaravan.com).

Nutrition Facts

Calories143kcal
Protein5.12%
Fat75.69%
Carbs19.19%

Properties

Glycemic Index
34.5
Glycemic Load
0.93
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
12.942608799623%

Flavonoids

Delphinidin
60.73mg
Eriodictyol
1.74mg
Hesperetin
0.57mg
Apigenin
24.55mg
Luteolin
0.88mg
Isorhamnetin
0.27mg
Kaempferol
1.88mg
Myricetin
1.68mg
Quercetin
0.59mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:142.65kcal
7.13%
Fat:12.65g
19.46%
Saturated Fat:1.76g
10.97%
Carbohydrates:7.22g
2.41%
Net Carbohydrates:3.81g
1.39%
Sugar:2.98g
3.31%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:209.29mg
9.1%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:1.92g
3.85%
Vitamin K:232.58µg
221.51%
Vitamin A:1936.23IU
38.72%
Vitamin C:22.23mg
26.94%
Manganese:0.37mg
18.51%
Vitamin E:2.18mg
14.56%
Folate:57.73µg
14.43%
Fiber:3.4g
13.62%
Iron:1.92mg
10.69%
Potassium:367.73mg
10.51%
Magnesium:29.79mg
7.45%
Calcium:68.35mg
6.84%
Copper:0.12mg
6.15%
Vitamin B6:0.11mg
5.73%
Vitamin B2:0.07mg
4.39%
Vitamin B3:0.85mg
4.23%
Phosphorus:41.25mg
4.12%
Vitamin B1:0.05mg
3.67%
Zinc:0.48mg
3.17%
Vitamin B5:0.3mg
3.03%
Source:Epicurious