Even as an experienced cook and an empty nester who should have gobs of time on her hands to plan and prepare meals, I sometimes just flat dab don’t. Blame it on a hectic schedule or a lack of foresight…or whatever life brings my way, it just happens.
Knowing that, I try to keep lots of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand with tons of salad ingredients. Hubby, fortunately for my sake, is good to go most evenings with a supper salad. One of our favorites it this grilled eggplant and parmesan salad that works for us as a meal, especially in the heat of summer.
GRILLED EGGPLANT AND PARMESAN SALAD
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons Parmesan, grated
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon lemon zest, minced
4 slices eggplant, 1/2″” thick
8 slices tomatoes, 1/2” thick
4 slices fresh mozzarella, 1/4” thick
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
6 cups arugula or spinach
2 Tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons Parmesan, grated
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon lemon zest, minced
4 slices eggplant, 1/2″” thick
8 slices tomatoes, 1/2” thick
4 slices fresh mozzarella, 1/4” thick
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
6 cups arugula or spinach
Preheat grill to high. Toast crumbs in oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes, stirring often; transfer to a bowl. Add Parmesan, basil and lemon zest.
Brush both sides of eggplant and tomato slices with some of the vinaigrette, then season them and the sliced mozzarella with salt and pepper.
Grill the eggplant until cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side and tomato slices 1 minute per side. Place a slice of eggplant on each of four tomato slices, then top with a slice of mozzarella and the remaining tomatoes. Cover the grill and cook just until cheese starts to melt, 1-2 minutes.
Toss arugula or spinach with 1/4 cup of the dressing and divide among 4 plates. Top with eggplant stacks and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette, if desired.
I usually serve this with a crusty a garlic loaf or bread sticks.
Brag Time: One of my students from last year and already a terrific budding chef has just started his cooking blog. You just have to go check it out! Cooking With Charlie J He’s not afreaid to tackle anything! I’m not sure his mother knows just how lucky she is. I’ve offered a bedroom at my house:)
Thanks so much for joining me this week. I look forward to what you have to say.
Linked to:Menu Plan Monday
Tuesdays at the Table
Full Plate Thuirsdays
Great party today. Wonderful looking recipes. We linked up a terrific tomato pie. Come over and check it out.
I’ve never had eggplant in a salad but it sure does sound good!
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for hosting the party. Please stop by and enter my GIVEAWAY if you like. I think you may like the prize. Have a great weekend.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Hope you are having a great week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Great items on the menu this week. We linked up a wonderful low fat pimento cheese. Come on over and visit.
Great blog party – some of the other recipes look fantastic!