Description
Grilled Eggplant Ratatouille with Fresh Cheese and Arugula is a light, yet satisfying dish that brings together smoky grilled eggplant, fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, all topped with creamy fresh cheese and peppery arugula. This flavorful and colorful dish is perfect as a main course or a side and is perfect for a summer meal or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces fresh goat cheese or ricotta (or any fresh cheese of your choice)
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the sliced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil and season with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill the vegetables in batches, turning occasionally, for about 3–4 minutes per side until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- While the vegetables are grilling, crumble the fresh cheese into small pieces and set aside.
- Once all the vegetables are grilled, arrange them on a serving platter or individual plates, layering the grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Top the vegetables with the fresh cheese, letting it soften slightly in the warm vegetables.
- Scatter the diced tomatoes over the top, then finish by adding a handful of fresh arugula on top.
- For added flavor, drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar or extra olive oil, and garnish with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use as a cold salad or side dish.
Notes
- Feel free to add more grilled vegetables, such as mushrooms or onions, to make the dish heartier.
- For a vegan option, use a dairy-free cheese such as cashew cheese or vegan ricotta.
- This dish can also be served warm or cold, making it perfect for picnics or meal prep.
- If you want more flavor, top with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive tapenade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg