Description
A vibrant and healthy Grilled Eggplant Ratatouille featuring tender grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers layered with fresh goat cheese and arugula, finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Perfect as a light main dish or a flavorful side, this recipe highlights simple Mediterranean flavors with a fresh, smoky twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Greens
- 4 ounces fresh goat cheese or ricotta (or any fresh cheese of your choice)
- 2 cups fresh arugula
Optional
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the grill and vegetables: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the sliced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil, then season evenly with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill the vegetables: Place the vegetables on the grill in batches, turning occasionally for even cooking. Grill about 3–4 minutes per side until tender and marked with grill lines.
- Prepare the cheese: While the vegetables grill, crumble the fresh goat cheese or ricotta into small pieces and set aside.
- Arrange the grilled vegetables: Once all the vegetables are cooked, layer the grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Add fresh cheese: Scatter the crumbled fresh cheese over the warm grilled vegetables, allowing it to soften slightly.
- Add tomatoes and arugula: Sprinkle the diced tomatoes over the cheese and top with a generous handful of fresh arugula.
- Finish with dressing: Drizzle the ratatouille with balsamic vinegar or additional olive oil if desired, and season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve or store: Serve immediately to enjoy the warmth and freshness, or refrigerate for later use as a cold salad or side dish.
Notes
- Use a grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Fresh goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, but ricotta or other fresh cheeses work well too.
- Balsamic vinegar adds a lovely sweetness and acidity but can be omitted if preferred.
- Vegetables can be prepped and seasoned ahead for quicker grilling.
- This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
