Crispy Eggplant Arugula Salad

This play on a traditional panzanella salad is the perfect summer dish. It's everything you want in a salad...without the guilt.

This recipe was made with our Original Nut Crumbs ~ a nut-based bread crumb alternative. They are gluten-free, paleo, Keto-friendly, vegan, and delicious! To purchase a bag click here.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. Original Nut Crumbs
1 eggplant
1 egg
1/2 c. almond milk
1/2 c. shaved parmesan cheese
1 bag arugula
1 c. cherry tomatoes (or grape)
1/4. c pine puts
3-4 T. lemon olive oil 
salt + pepper to taste

 

Method:

Start by peeling the skin off the eggplant and dicing it into 1/2 inch cubes. Throw the cubes in a bowl and heavily salt (this will be rinsed) and set aside for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the eggplant.

Once the time has elapsed fully rinse off the salted eggplant and pat dry.

In a large bowl, whisk together almond milk and egg. Toss eggplant cubes into bowl covering each one thoroughly in the egg wash.

Pour out Nut Crumbs onto plate.

Using a fork, pick up each slice and gently coat with the crumbs. Try handling them as little as possible to prevent the Nut Crumbs from falling off.

Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil and place the eggplant in the air fryer. 

Fry at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. 

If you don't have an air fryer you can bake - placing the coated eggplant cubes on parchment paper and cook at 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes. You can also fry the cubes in butter and olive oil (about 2T. of each) and cook on medium heat.

The air fryer will produce the crispiest eggplant pieces :)

While the eggplant is cooking, it's time to assemble the salad!

In a large salad bowl, toss together the arugula, parmesan cheese, pine nuts. and tomatoes (cut in half).

Salt + Pepper the salad and add in the Lemon Olive Oil. We highly recommend Pasolivo Lemon Olive Oil, which you can find here. Toss the salad.

Top the salad with the cooked eggplant and serve immediately. Tastes best when the eggplant is hot!

This salad would also be yummy with some red onion, goat cheese, or many other additions...feel free to have fun and add your favorite ingredients :)