Mediterranean Chickpea and Roasted Eggplant Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs
Oct 4
5 min read
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A vibrant salad featuring roasted eggplant, creamy chickpeas, and fresh herbs, tossed with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zippy lemon dressing. Topped with tangy feta, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is wholesome, refreshing, and perfect for lunch or as a side. Its mix of hearty and fresh ingredients makes it both nourishing and satisfying.
This Mediterranean chickpea and roasted eggplant salad with feta and fresh herbs is bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. Start by roasting eggplant cubes until golden and slightly caramelized, while simultaneously preparing a bright dressing with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and a creamy texture, which balance perfectly with the hearty roasted eggplant. Toss in diced cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onion, and plenty of fresh herbs like parsley and mint for added freshness. Top everything with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy finish. This salad is ideal for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, nutritious, and satisfying meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
- Eggplant — 2 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Chickpeas — 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes — 1 pint, halved
- Cucumber — 1 large, diced
- Red onion — 1 small, finely chopped
- Feta cheese — 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Fresh parsley — 1/2 cup, chopped
- Fresh mint — 1/4 cup, chopped
- Olive oil — 1/4 cup, plus 2 tbsp for roasting
- Lemon juice — Juice of 1 large lemon
- Garlic — 2 cloves, minced
- Dijon mustard — 1 tsp
- Salt — to taste
- Black pepper — to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss eggplant cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the eggplant for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Add the roasted eggplant, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the dressing.
6. Toss everything gently until combined and well coated with the dressing.
7. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Toss lightly once more or serve with feta on top.
8. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld or serve immediately at room temperature.