Eggplant and green bean salad

Eggplant and green bean salad – A delicious and healthy combination

Looking for a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe? The eggplant and green bean salad is the perfect choice! This salad not only brings an explosion of flavors but also a spectrum of colors to the plate, making it ideal for any meal, whether it's a quick lunch or an elegant dinner.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The ingredients needed for this recipe are:

- 500-600 g eggplant
- 200 g boiled green beans
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 5-6 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- Salt, to taste

Recipe history

Eggplant salad is a traditional dish in many cultures, often associated with summer meals, picnics, or parties. The creamy texture of the eggplant and the crunchy, sweet green beans complement each other perfectly, offering a combination of tastes and textures. The garlic adds a hint of intensity, while the mayonnaise binds all the ingredients in a delicious harmony.

Step by step: How to prepare eggplant and green bean salad

1. Preparing the eggplant:
- Start by washing the eggplants well under cold running water, then cut them in half lengthwise. You can grill or bake them, but for a quicker method, you can cook them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Make sure to let them cool, then peel the skin and chop the flesh into small cubes. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to achieve a smooth paste.

2. Preparing the green beans:
- Wash the green beans well and trim the ends to remove the tails. Then, boil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly crunchy, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This method will keep the vibrant color of the beans.

3. The garlic:
- Peel the 3 cloves of garlic and grate them on a fine grater. Fresh garlic will give the salad an intense and aromatic flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic.

4. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped eggplant, green beans, grated garlic, mayonnaise, and salt. Mix everything with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to crush the green beans. If you want a finer texture, you can use an immersion blender, but make sure not to turn everything into a paste!

5. Taste and adjust:
- After mixing the ingredients well, taste the salad and adjust the salt or add a little more mayonnaise if necessary.

6. Serving:
- The eggplant and green bean salad is served cold, so it's ideal to leave it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or slices of tomatoes for an attractive presentation.

Useful tips and variations

- Variations of ingredients: You can add chopped black or green olives for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, adding red or yellow bell peppers brings a crunchy note and vibrant color.
- Mayonnaise: If you prefer a healthier option, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado paste. This will reduce the calories and add a creamy touch.
- Serving: The salad can be served on slices of toasted bread, in rolls, or as a side dish for meats and fish.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy! Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, helping to protect cells, while green beans provide protein and fiber, essential for a balanced diet. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and mayonnaise adds healthy fats. A 100 g serving of this salad contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen eggplants?
- It is recommended to use fresh eggplants for the best texture, but frozen eggplants can be used if they are of good quality. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

- How can I store the salad?
- The salad keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is possible that after a few days, the texture may become softer, but the taste will remain delicious.

- What drinks pair well with this salad?
- A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices to complement this salad. Additionally, a cold mint tea can add a refreshing note.

The eggplant and green bean salad is a recipe that will bring smiles to your table, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, this salad is sure to please everyone. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!