Eggplant: The Underdog of the Produce Aisle (And Why You’re About to Love It)

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Eggplant: the vegetable that people either love, fear, or haven’t met in the right dish yet. But trust me, once you try Grilled Eggplant with Greek Relish, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated. Or maybe you’re the type who likes a little flair—Eggplant Napoleons are stacked, saucy, and downright irresistible. Need something fresh and vibrant? Eggplant Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Arugula is here to prove that eggplant can be just as refreshing as it is hearty. Basically, if you think eggplant is just for parmesan, this lineup is about to change your mind. Click through, and let’s get you hooked.

Grilled Eggplant with Greek Relish

A bowl filled with grilled eggplant slices, a salad of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, chickpeas, olives, and herbs. The background is a rustic wooden surface.
Image Credit: Feasting At Home

Succulent Grilled Eggplant topped with a vibrant Greek-inspired relish, all served over silky polenta. This wholesome, meatless meal is simple to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan.

To learn more: Grilled Eggplant with Greek Relish

Eggplant Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Arugula

A vibrant salad on a white plate featuring grilled eggplant slices, colorful cherry tomatoes, arugula, microgreens, and crumbled feta cheese, with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A fork is placed on the side of the plate.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

This effortless Eggplant Salad comes together in no time—simply layer grilled eggplant with juicy heirloom tomatoes, peppery arugula, and delicate microgreens.

To learn more: Eggplant Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Arugula

Eggplant Parmesan

A person serves eggplant parmesan topped with melted cheese and fresh basil from a white baking dish. A blue checked cloth is used for handling. Nearby, there's a bowl of tomato sauce and a small bowl of grated cheese on a light surface.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Eggplant Parmesan isn’t just dinner—it’s a cheesy, saucy masterpiece. Crispy, golden-breaded eggplant slices get smothered in marinara, layered with melty cheese, and served up with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Couscous Salad is the speedy, no-fuss dish your busy days have been waiting for. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a fresh, flavorful salad that works as a light lunch or a nutritious side. When time isn’t on your side, this recipe absolutely is!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Eggplant

Grilled Eggplant Steaks with Gremolata and Tomatoes

Grilled eggplant slices topped with red and yellow cherry tomatoes and drizzled with green sauce on a white oval platter, beside a gold serving spoon on a dark wooden table.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Grilled Eggplant Steaks with Fresh Tomato Relish are here to steal the show, topped off with a zesty Italian gremolata. Keep it plant-based, or go ahead and crumble some cheese on top for extra indulgence. Either way, you’re getting a simple, healthy dinner that’s big on flavor!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Steaks with Gremolata and Tomatoes

Pasta With Eggplant Sauce Pasta Alla Norma

A white plate filled with penne pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil and grated cheese, sits on a marble surface. The pasta appears fresh and appetizing, with a vibrant color and texture.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Pasta Alla Norma isn’t just a recipe—it’s your ticket to a taste of Italy! This beginner-friendly guide breaks it down step-by-step, with pro tips to make you feel like a kitchen pro. The best part? It’s way simpler than it sounds, and absolutely delicious!
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Eggplant Sauce Pasta Alla Norma

Eggplant Rollatini

A baked dish of eggplant rolls filled with ricotta on tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves and pine nuts. It's placed in a white rectangular dish with a side of fresh basil, a glass of water, pine nuts, and a bowl of chili flakes.
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Eggplant Rollatini takes comfort food to a whole new level with tender eggplant slices rolled up around a dreamy ricotta filling, all baked in marinara sauce. It’s like a cheesy, saucy hug on a plate—and trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds!
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini

Soy Glazed Eggplant

A close-up of a skillet containing sautéed diced eggplants. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions and crushed nuts, creating a colorful and textured presentation.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Soy Glazed Eggplant Stir Fry is the weeknight hero you never knew you needed. Packed with flavor, this quick and easy vegetarian dish is perfect for dinner tonight and meal prep for the week ahead. Who said healthy couldn’t be delicious and efficient?
Get the Recipe: Soy Glazed Eggplant

Eggplant Napoleons

A stack of crispy eggplant slices layered with creamy ricotta and topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and herbs, served on a decorative plate with a fork and knife on the side.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Elegant Eggplant Napoleons stack layers of summer’s best flavors into a dish so satisfying, it might just outshine the main course.

To learn more: Eggplant Napoleons

White Bean Eggplant Caponata (1 Pan!)

A close-up of bruschetta topped with a colorful mixture of diced tomatoes, beans, eggplant, capers, and fresh basil leaves, placed on a white surface. A couple of bruschetta pieces and a bowl with additional toppings are nearby.
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Caponata is a must-try if you haven’t already—trust us, your taste buds will thank you! This Sicilian eggplant dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it’s one of our absolute favorites. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this bold, flavorful dish!
Get the Recipe: White Bean Eggplant Caponata (1 Pan!)

Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches

Three hoagie sandwiches on a wooden board, filled with eggplant, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, garnished with chopped herbs. Served with
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches are the perfect veggie-packed meal that’s as customizable as your cravings! Whether you’re sticking to the basics or adding your favorite toppings, this dish is easy on the wallet and big on flavor. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that’s as flexible as you need it to be!
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches

Ratatouille

A vibrant skillet of ratatouille, featuring a colorful mix of chopped zucchini, red peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs like basil. A wooden spoon stirs the ingredients, with sprigs of fresh thyme on the side.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Ratatouille is a vegetable lover’s dream come true, featuring a vibrant mix of tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and squash stewed together with fragrant herbs. It’s a hearty, savory dish that practically bursts with flavor—like a warm, veggie-filled hug in a bowl!
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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