This Roasted Vegetable Salad is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness and depth of roasted vegetables. Tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and bursting with vibrant colors and tastes that are sure to satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 10.5 oz eggplant (300 g)
- 10.5 oz zucchini (300 g)
- 14 oz peppers (400 g, a mix of colors for visual appeal)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Parsley (for garnish, to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Method of Preparation
Crafting the Perfect Dressing:
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Mix Vigorously: Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. The result should be a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will enhance the roasted vegetables beautifully.
Assembling the Salad:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Cut the Vegetables: Cut the eggplant, zucchini, and peppers into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Vegetables: Spread the chopped vegetables evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Roast the Vegetables: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 25 minutes. Stir halfway through to promote even cooking. The vegetables are ready when they are tender and slightly caramelized, with a bit of char for added flavor.
Why Roasted Vegetables?
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables, enhancing their taste while adding a delightful smokiness. This cooking technique also retains much of the vegetables’ nutritional value, making it a healthy choice.
Health Benefits of Roasted Vegetable Salad
This roasted vegetable salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eggplants are rich in fiber and low in calories, zucchini provides a good source of vitamin C, and bell peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C, making this salad a nutritional powerhouse.
Serving the Salad:
- Toss the Salad: Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a large serving bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the warm vegetables and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve: This salad can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any meal. Enjoy it on its own, as a side to grilled meats, or as a topping for grains like quinoa or couscous.
Tips for Success
- Uniformity is Key: Ensure that your vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Give the vegetables space on the baking tray to avoid steaming and to encourage caramelization.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, cherry tomatoes, or onions. You can also customize the dressing by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
This Roasted Vegetable Salad is a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich flavors and health benefits of fresh vegetables. The combination of roasted eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, tossed in a flavorful dressing, makes this dish both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of roasted vegetables in every bite!
