Mango & Tomato Salad with Grilled Eggplant
This vibrant salad features ripe mangoes and fresh tomatoes, complemented by marinated and grilled eggplant for a smoky depth. The interplay of sweetness from the mango and tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the grilled eggplant's smoky flavour, creating a refreshing yet hearty dish perfect for warm weather.
- Total
- 20 min
- Serves
- 3
- Level
- Adventurous
Created with Pantry Bliss
Ingredients
3 servings
For the grilled eggplant
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1 cm thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, for seasoning
For the salad
- 1 large mango, peeled and diced
- 2 medium tomato, diced
- 0.5 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 0.5 large red capsicum, diced
- 100 grams lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 50 grams cabbage, finely shredded and mixed with lettuce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, roughly chopped, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- Prep
- 10 min
- Marinate
- 5 min
- Cook
- 5 min
About this recipe
Inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, this salad encapsulates the essence of seasonal produce. The inclusion of grilled eggplant adds a layer of depth that enhances the sweetness of the mango and tomatoes, reminiscent of dishes from renowned chefs who focus on ingredients in their prime, such as Yotam Ottolenghi. This dish brings together these classic elements while allowing each component to shine, creating a harmonious balance of flavours that captivate the palate.
Method
-
Step 1: Prepare the eggplant for grilling
Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Ensure the eggplant slices are evenly coated to prevent sticking on the grill. -
Step 2: Grill the eggplant
Preheat the grill pan or outdoor grill on medium-high heat. Grill the eggplant slices for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, until they have nice grill marks and are tender. Remove from the grill and set aside to cool slightly.
Avoid overcooking the eggplant. It should be tender but not mushy, retaining some structure. -
Step 3: Prepare the salad base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn lettuce, shredded cabbage, diced mango, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red capsicum, and thinly sliced red onion.
Toss gently to avoid bruising the mango and tomatoes. -
Step 4: Assemble the salad
Once the eggplant has cooled slightly, slice it into strips and add it to the salad bowl. Drizzle with fresh lime juice, season with additional salt and black pepper to taste, and toss gently to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander before serving.
Ensure the lime juice is freshly squeezed for best flavour.
Tips
- For additional crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds atop the salad before serving.
- To make the dish vegan, ensure all ingredients, particularly dressings, are free from animal products.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Use heirloom tomatoes for a more complex flavour and presentation.
- Make the eggplant ahead of time and cool it in the refrigerator to enhance the smoky flavour.
Equipment
- grill pan or outdoor grill
- large mixing bowl
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- whisk
- measuring spoons
- serving platter
Serve it with
Sides
-
Garlic Bread
The warm, buttery garlic bread complements the freshness of the salad.
-
Quinoa Pilaf
A hearty quinoa pilaf provides a great texture contrast to the salad.
-
Roasted Vegetables
The smoky flavour of roasted vegetables pairs nicely with the grilled eggplant.
Goes well with
-
Grilled Chicken Skewers
The salad serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky skewers.
-
Panna Cotta
A light dessert like panna cotta would be a lovely finish to a summer meal.
Drinks
-
Mint Lemonade
A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that enhances the freshness of the salad.
-
Sauvignon Blanc
The crispness of Sauvignon Blanc pairs excellently with the fruitiness of the salad.
Created by a home cook with Pantry Bliss’s AI recipe creator and shared with the community. Always check recipes for allergens and cook food to safe temperatures.
