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Grilled Eggplant & Arugula Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 27 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 3
Calories: 220
Best Season: Summer
Description

This grilled eggplant and arugula salad brings together smoky, charred slices of eggplant with peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and a punchy lemon-garlic dressing. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, it’s healthy, satisfying, and perfect for warm-weather lunches or light dinners. Best of all, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Ingredients
    For the Salad
  • 1 medium eggplant (long variety)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup arugula
  • 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
    • For the Dressing
  • 1/4 of Juice lemon
  • 1 Optional: tsp balsamic glaze (Italian black vinegar reduction)
Instructions
    Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
  1. 1
    Slice eggplant into 0.5cm rounds.
  2. 2
    Drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle oregano, and toss with hands to coat.
  3. 3
    Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat (no oil).
  4. 4
    Grill eggplant slices ~3 minutes per side until both sides are golden and slightly charred.
  5. 5
    In the same pan, add a bit of leftover oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (~30 seconds).
    6. Step 2: Assemble the Salad
  6. 6
    In a serving bowl, layer the grilled eggplant and sautéed garlic. Let it cool slightly.
  7. 7
    Add arugula, walnuts, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional balsamic glaze.
  8. 8
    Gently toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3

Serving Size ~1.5 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 220kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 150mg7%
Potassium 460mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 3g
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 600 IU
Vitamin C 9 mg
Calcium 90 mg
Iron 1.4 mg
Vitamin E 2.3 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

💡 Tips & Swaps

  • Use a striped or graffiti eggplant for extra color and mild flavor.
  • Add cherry tomatoes or chickpeas for a heartier version.
  • Swap arugula for baby spinach or kale if preferred.
  • Make it a meal: add grilled tofu or crusty sourdough on the side.
Keywords: grilled eggplant salad, arugula lemon salad, vegan summer salad, Mediterranean eggplant recipe, walnut arugula salad

💙 Why You’ll Love It

  • Mediterranean flavor meets simple summer prep
  • Completely vegan and naturally gluten-free
  • Great as a light lunch, side salad, or picnic dish
  • Customizable with pantry staples
Read it online: https://foodievibe.com/recipes/grilled-eggplant-arugula-salad-with-lemon-garlic-vinaigrette/
Shopie Lane
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Sophie Lane — a food lover, curious traveler, and storyteller at heart. I’m passionate about inspiring others to live healthier, happier lives through simple, nourishing meals and mindful exploration of the world.