Skip to main content

Warm Eggplant Salad With Walnuts

Image may contain Ribs Food Lunch Meal and Roast
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Anderson, Prop Styling by Bea Chastka

Date syrup gives this savory, nutty eggplant salad the perfect amount of sweetness, and you can find it at most well-stocked grocery stores and health food stores. Alternatively, 2 Tbsp. pomegranate molasses or 1 Tbsp. honey are worthy substitutes.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

¾ cup walnuts
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium Japanese eggplants (about 1½ lb. total), halved lengthwise, cut crosswise into 2" sections
1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
1½ cups mint leaves, torn if large
Kosher salt
2 Tbsp. date syrup

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until fragrant and slightly darker, 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop; set aside.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, cinnamon, red pepper, and 1 Tbsp. oil in a large bowl.

    Step 3

    Heat remaining ¼ cup oil in a large skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium-high. Add eggplant and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 7–9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer eggplant to bowl with dressing, leaving any oil in pan behind; discard oil. Add onion, mint, and three-quarters of reserved walnuts to bowl. Season with salt and toss to combine.

    Step 4

    Transfer eggplant salad to a platter. Drizzle with date syrup, then top with remaining walnuts.

Read More
This weeknight-friendly chicken dinner—made with pomegranate molasses and a toasted walnut relish—is inspired by the flavors of Persian fesenjan.
Roasty, bright, sweet, and pickly, this sheet pan salad—a vegetarian main OR ample side dish—checks all the flavor boxes.
Stable enough to last days in the fridge (and hearty enough to sate a breastfeeding mom).
Rich, tangy, bright, and crunchy from olive oil roasted hazelnuts, this stovetop green bean salad is an arresting holiday side.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.
An electrifying pesto that stays bright green for days on end. With the addition of ginger, and jalapeño, it’s a versatile condiment to have on hand.
Charred purple potato salad with mayo, lemon, and soy is smoky, creamy, and designed to be the star of any summer picnic or barbecue.
A simple stovetop method brings out the best in this earthy root veg.