Eggplant has been on my mind lately.  I’ve been throwing eggplants into my shopping cart like they are giving them away and then making a lot of this, and this and of course, this Eggplant Parmesan Salad.  This satisfying and interesting salad is a perfect lunch (pack dressing on the side) or light dinner.

There are a lot of textures going on and they all work together to create a different and unique but super quick meal. I mean under 10 minutes quick – pretty amazing!

I stumbled upon this recipe last year and was instantly intrigued and excited.  I love Eggplant Parmesan but hate how many Points Plus the breaded and fried Eggplant cutlets are.  So I made it and loved it.

Then I couldn’t leave well enough alone and of course, had to experiment with breading the eggplant and baking it, grilling it and pan-searing it as well as  broiling.  The breaded and baked eggplant was fantastic but it added a lot more work and Points Plus and turned what is now a 10 minute dinner into a 30 minute dinner.  Not really worth it.  The pan-searing lacked the crispy edges without a lot of added oil. After all is said and done, I loved the grilled and broiled eggplant equally and the best.  Whichever is easier for you to do!

NOTES:

  • Be sure to use an olive oil mister like this or this to lightly spray the eggplant before broiling.  Alternately, you could measure a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and brush it on with a pastry brush, just be sure to account for the additional Points Plus values. I do not suggest using non-stick cooking spray because the eggplant will not get crisp!
5.0 from 3 reviews

Eggplant Parm Salad
 
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7 Points Plus Per Serving – Recipe Serves 4
By,:
Serves:: 4

Ingredients
  • 2 to 3 heads Romaine, cleaned and cut or torn into bite sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups grape (or cherry) tomatoes
  • handful (about 1 cup) fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 container (24 pieces) mini mozzarella balls (also called Ciliegine)
  • 1 large eggplant, cut into quarters and sliced into ½” pieces
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • italian seasoning
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 servings natural croutons
  • olive oil mister

Instructions
  1. Place oven rack in top position approximately 6″ away from heat source and set oven to Broil. Line a cookie sheet with tinfoil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place eggplant in one layer. Lightly spray eggplant with oil mister or use a brush to brush on olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place into oven and set timer for 5 minutes.
  2. Turn eggplant, repeat oil, salt and pepper on other side and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, combine lettuce, tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, olive oil and vinegar. Toss to combine and place evenly onto 4 plates (or bowls).
  4. Divide up the mozzarella balls, croutons and broiled eggplant. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and Enjoy!

Adapted From: A Couple Cooks Eggplant Parmesan Salad

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