Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread

Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of grilled vegetables, fresh greens, and a tangy balsamic dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Grilled Vegetable Salad has been a popular dish for many years, especially during the summer months when fresh vegetables are abundant. The addition of garlic bread on the side adds a nice crunch and flavor to the meal.

Ingredients

1 recipe of Spicy yogurt Marinade or lemon herb Marinade
1 large eggplant, cut into slices 0.25 inches thick, then halved
2 medium sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, about 1.5 lb, cut into slices 0.5 inches thick
1 large red bell pepper, cut into strips 0.5 inches wide
16 cherry tomatoes
8 slices of italian bread, 0.75 inches thick
1 clove of garlic, cut in half
olive oil for drizzling
8 cups of mesclun greens
1 cup of parmesan shavings (2 oz or 57 g) or 0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese

Balsamic dressing

2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
0.5 tsp of dijon mustard

How to prepare

In a large shallow bowl, prepare the marinade. Add eggplant, onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes, stirring to coat. Let the vegetables marinate for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
Prepare a hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill on high. Place a fine-meshed grill rack on top to heat.
Lightly oil the grill topper. Grill the vegetables in batches until nicely browned and tender, approximately 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the vegetables to a baking sheet when they are done. Grill the bread alongside the vegetables until lightly toasted. Immediately rub the warm grilled bread with the cut sides of garlic and drizzle with a little olive oil.

Balsamic dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Salad

Place the greens in a large bowl.
Add the grilled vegetables and dressing, and toss well.
Divide the salad among serving plates and sprinkle Parmesan shavings on top.
Serve immediately with garlic bread on the side.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for extra protein.
Use different vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Swap out the Parmesan cheese for feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the vegetables for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

- Grill the vegetables on high heat to get a nice char and smoky flavor.

- Don't overcook the vegetables, as they should still have a slight crunch to them.

- Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make the salad visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main course for a light lunch or dinner. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the vegetables adds a smoky flavor and charred texture to the dish. It's important to grill the vegetables on high heat to get a nice sear.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the vegetables listed, feel free to use whatever you have on hand. You can also use a different type of cheese or bread for the garlic bread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the vegetables ahead of time and grill them when ready to serve. The balsamic dressing can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and top with the greens and Parmesan cheese. Serve the garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The garlic bread can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag. Reheat the bread in the oven or toaster oven to crisp it up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the vegetables and bread. The vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients, while the bread adds a source of energy.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the olive oil used for grilling the vegetables and making the dressing. Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of the salad. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in this dish are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (bread), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of grilled vegetables, fresh greens, and a tangy balsamic dressing is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this dish with a glass of wine or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria's farm. She had just harvested a variety of fresh vegetables from her garden, and she invited me to stay for lunch.

As we sat at her rustic wooden table, Maria began to chop up the vegetables and toss them in a marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. She explained that she was going to grill them to bring out their natural flavors and create a vibrant salad.

I watched in awe as she skillfully grilled each vegetable, giving them a smoky char that added depth to their taste. The sweet bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant sizzled on the hot grill, releasing their delicious aroma into the air.

While the vegetables cooked, Maria showed me how to make the garlic bread. She spread a generous amount of butter and minced garlic on slices of crusty bread, then toasted them until they were golden brown and fragrant.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the fresh vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the garlic bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she generously shared it with me. From that day on, the Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread became one of my favorite dishes to make for family and friends.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding different vegetables and experimenting with new herbs and spices. But the essence of Maria's recipe remains the same – fresh, simple ingredients cooked with care and love.

I have shared this recipe with many people over the years, passing down the tradition of delicious homemade food from one generation to the next. Each time I make the Grilled Vegetable Salad and Garlic Bread, I remember that warm summer day at Maria's farm and the joy of discovering a new favorite dish.

Now, as I prepare this meal for my grandchildren, I see the same wonder and delight in their eyes that I felt when I first tasted Maria's creation. I hope that they will continue to pass down this recipe for generations to come, keeping alive the tradition of good food and good company.

So, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, chopping up fresh vegetables and spreading butter and garlic on slices of bread, I am grateful for the memories and friendships that have inspired me to create this delicious dish. And I know that with each bite, I am sharing a piece of my heart and soul with those I love.