Warm Grilled Veg Salad

Warm Grilled Veg Salad

Grilled veg from the deli or supermarket are brilliant to have on hand for adding instant veg with practically no prep. Here we’re quickly warming them in a pan before teaming with creamy ricotta for a light dinner. If you’re super hungry, checkout the variations for ideas on how to make this more substantial.

150g (5oz) grilled eggplant from the deli OR use a jar
150g (5oz) grilled peppers from the deli OR use a jar
1 tablespoon sherry or wine vinegar
1/2 cup ricotta
1 bag salad leaves

1. Place a medium frying pan on a medium high heat. Add eggplant and peppers to the pan and cook, turning once or twice until everything is warm.

2. Meanwhile, combine vinegar with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and whisk.

3. Toss salad leaves in the dressing.

4. When the grilled veg are warm, spread ricotta over 2 plates. Top with dressed salad and finish with the grilled veg.

Variations

dairy-free / vegan – replace ricotta with hummus.

different cheese – crumble over a salty feta instead. Or use a soft goats cheese or shavings of Parmesan. Also good with pan fried Halloumi instead of the ricotta.

carnivore – serve with pan fried or grilled chicken breast or thigh fillets.

more substantial / carb lovers – serve with pita or other flat bread. Toss in some cooked short pasta with the veg. Or add canned or cooked white beans or chickpeas to warm with the veg.

more veg – add sun dried tomatoes, artichokes and/or mushrooms from the deli. Or for fresh veg add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts or grated carrot.

cook your own veg – try these roast peppers or eggplant or grilled zucchini.

paleo (grain, legume & dairy-free) – replace ricotta with avocado chunks.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

grilled eggplant/ grilled peppers – unopened jars will keep in the pantry. Opened will keep in the fridge for a few weeks. Can be frozen.

sherry or wine vinegar – keep it in the pantry.

ricotta – in the fridge in the packaging it was purchased in.

salad leaves – store sealed bag in the fridge. If buying loose leaves, wash and spin dry in a salad spinner then wrap loosely in paper towel and place inside plastic bag. Push out most of the air and seal. Store in the fridge.

Problem Solving Guide

too oily – veg from the deli can be quite oily or vinegary. Have a little taste before using and if you think they need it, drain on paper towel before using.

dry – some ricottas can be more dry and crumbly than creamy. If you find the dish too dry just drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil.

bland – easy…You need more salt!

Serving Suggestions

Lovely on its own as a light meal. Or serve as a side to grilled or roast meat or chicken. Brilliant with lamb chops.

Prepare Ahead

Not really.

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________